Hey-hey! Hey, Where Did Jack Go?
Whither the Jack Brickhouse bust that sat between the Michigan Avenue Bridge and Tribune Tower? Not to fear, per Steve Johnson, Jack's out for repairs.
Merge
Category
Arts/Architecture
Hey, I Can See Your House from Here
Photographer Michael Wolf took pictures in the "central downtown area" (we just call it the Loop, New Yorkers) with a telephoto lens, sneaking peeks into the offices and apartments of individuals who either can't afford blinds or don't bother to use them. Yeah, that's not weird.
Loyola Shuts Down Student Gallery
Loyola University is having trouble prioritizing-- as usual, art is the first thing to go.
They're Creepy and They're Kooky, Mysterious and Arty
The Art Institute polled their employees about the "scariest/creepiest/spookiest" works in their collection. They selected these bits of nightmare fuel. However, I think the staff is mentally repressing Jeff Koons' Woman in Tub. It's art, so I guess it's safe for work. People might wonder about you though.
A New Way to Find Art
The folks who brought you Art Talk Chicago have created a website dedicated to comprehensively mapping out and showcasing gallery events around the city. There's even a handy little interactive map.
First Michael Reese Building Demolished
The Friend Convalescent Home on the former Michael Reese campus is now the first Walter Gropius building to be demolished in decades.
New Developments at Michael Reese Hospital
While demolition preparation continues for nearly all of the Michael Reese campus, the city is considering keeping one Gropius building, the Singer Pavilion.
Picturing Historic Chicago
Noah Vaughn points us to two historical caches of Chicago photographs from Zeus Of HollYWOoD and Joe+Jeanette Archie. If you have your own, we'd love it if you'd add images to the GB flickr pool.
Gigapixel Panoramas of Chicago
British photographer Will Pearson spent some time in June making gigapixel panoramas of the Chicago skyline at dusk. It should go without saying, but the detail is impressive.
Sullivan Center Peeks Out of the Scaffolding
Design Slinger gives us a couple close-up looks at the bit of restored Carson Pirie Scott Building, now known as Sullivan Center, recently revealed from behind the protective scaffolding.
Time to Reassess "If you build it, they will come"
There are dozens of multimillion dollar homes for sale throughout the region, and they're not selling. Two standouts are a suburban castle and a home named "Villa Taj" that will soon be auctioned.
What's Going on with Market Hall?
The FBI wants to know what happened to the $1.1 million Illinois FIRST grant given to the Historic Pullman Foundation for the still unrestored Market Hall.
Garage Turned Pawn Shop Art Installation
Two local artists have turned a three-car garage into a mock pawn shop in which much of the stock is art. Kelly Reaves has more in this week's A/C feature.
More Trouble for the Chicago Spire
Well, the Spire isn't done for yet, but its developer is in the news again. This time, its sales center is facing eviction.
The City's Ugliest Building?
Travel+Leisure named the Harold Washington Library one of the world's ugliest buildings.
Three Sheets to the Windy City
Chicago is yours for the drinking, thanks to Cityscape Bar's new Architectural Martini Tour, an alcoholic ode to some of the Loop's best known buildings.
A Little Off the Top
The witty folks at the Art Institute have given their October self-guide a morbidly funny theme: decapitation (PDF file). Insert Tales from the Crypt pun about not losing your head here.
Rolling Art Gallery
Art on the Track brings an eight-car art installation to the Loop this Saturday. [via]
The Smartest Kid on Earth Meets Fall-Out Boy
Chris Ware and Pete Wentz wander about an industrial area and sit on a pipe, chatting about their work. Boy, the director sure likes cross-cuts.
And Daniel Burnham Looked Upon the Ruins and Said, "Let's Rock!"
It's the 138th anniversary of the Chicago Fire, and MTV pays sentimental tribute with... Dragonforce? Indeed, the city did arise from the ashes like a huge, shredding, windmill-headbanging phoenix.
Favorite Spots in Chicago
FoGB Laura Park received a commission from an expat to draw "a portrait of everything she missed in Chicago." Do you recognize everything in there?
A Thing of Beavty
Have you ever seen the Art Institute's new logo and wondered "Why a v instead of a u?" Design firm Pentagram explains the whys and wherefores of Abbott Miller's lovely and precise designs for the museum's interior and exterior signage. (via)
Chicago in Columbus
The Columbus, Ohio Museum of Art has a stellar collection of social issue oriented art, much of which was produced by Chicago affiliated artists such as Aaron Siskind and Ivan Albright.
Outsider Art from an Insider?
The Reader's big feature this week surrounds the mysterious Clyde Angel and his true identity.
Trib: Rebuild Our City While Preserving Gropius
Now that there is no need to build an Olympic Village, the Trib is calling for a broad set of community investments, including the preservation of "Reese's landmark Walter Gropius buildings."
A Map of Words and Images
Chicago Art Map is a new site covering the city's art scene.
Rolling Meadows
Artist Joe Baldwin is trying to implement his idea for a CTA "mobile garden," a subway flatcar covered with native plants that rides the rails. So far the CTA hasn't said no, but he needs help raising funds and such. Get in touch with him at the site or through the Facebook page.
Agggggh! They Escaped!
You've seen American Gothic at the Art Institute, right? Well, don't tell me this photo doesn't blow your mind just a little bit.
Beauty on 47th Street
The mosaic under the 47th Street Metra station is finished, and it is lovely. Hyde Park Progress has pictures.
Artistic Leaps and Bounds
Allison is "an avid Art Jumper," which I do not think was a word until she coined it. Anyway, she likes to jump in art galleries, and she's not the only one. Naturally, the Art Institute is represented.
Campus of the Future
Chicago Journal focuses on academic architecture as UIC contemplates its future development and new student housing is proposed in the South Loop.
Save These Buildings
Landmarks Illinois has released its annual Chicagoland Watch List of endangered buildings. The list includes Cameron's house from Ferris Bueller's Day Off, the Lincoln/Fullerton streetscape and three Frank Lloyd Wright homes.
Boxing Ballerinas
If you're an admirer of artist Joseph Cornell (I am, to an embarrassing degree), you might want to stop by the Art Institute at noon today to hear a lecture on Cornell's fascination with ballet and its influence on his art.
Where Are the Hover Cars?
Blair Kamin reviews the "Big. Bold. Visionary. Chicago Architects Consider the Next Century" exhibit at the Chicago Tourism Center. Is it wrong to think the slightly creepy Blade Runneresque version of the Windy City, covered in a "transparent blanket that resembles a giant piece of Glad Wrap," is kind of awesome?
Art Map for Gallery Night
This Friday is one of the biggest in Chicago's art world as nearly every gallery kicks off the fall season with an opening. Fortunately John Lendman created a convenient googlemap to many of the openings over in A/C.
"Brigadoon of Industrial Housing Complexes"
Chicagoist's Lauri Apple takes a tour of East Chicago, Indiana's historic and crumbling Marktown district.
A New Life for the Sears Power House
Blair Kamin has glowingly reviewed the renovation of the 104-year-old Homan Square Power House, which powered the West Side Sears complex before the firm moved to the Sears Tower. The building will be used by the Henry Ford Academy: Power House High. Historic and pre-renovation photographs are available through the Power House's official site, and a handful of post-renovation photographs from the grand opening celebration are available elsewhere.
Up, Up, and Away!
Disney may have acquired Marvel, but superheroes and anti-heroes will still be out in full force in a few weeks at the Windy City Comicon, a growing and lively comic convention featuring a diverse array of local talent.
Button Down Interview
In A/C, Lindsay Muscato talks with Busy Beaver owner Christen Carter about how she got started and the company's new store.
Weekend Arts Reading
The Reader's annual Fall Arts Guide is on stands now.
The New Lakefront Building
The new DuSable Harbor Building is winning praises for its modern and earthen sides, although there are already complaints about upkeep.
Going, Going, Gone
If you've ever had the desire to see a 2.7-million-square-foot post office auctioned, head to the Intercontinental Chicago O'Hare Hotel in Rosemont by 1pm today. UPDATE: The building sold for $40 million to an as-yet unknown bidder, Chicago Real Estate Daily reports.
Look for the LHS
Today might not be the most fun for it, but the Chicago Architecture Foundation runs a tour of Louis Sullivan buildings in the Loop, including one today at 2:30pm.
The Aon Center's New Blemish
Have you noticed the "nasty little carbuncle" on top of the Aon Center and wondered what it is? It's an antenna that was apparently designed without regard for the simple verticality of the building.
Fill That Blank Spot on Your Wall
Hey! You have just a couple days left to purchase prints from the Gapers Block-curated "Chicago Week" on WallBlank. Prints by Dmitry Samarov, Sharon Parmet, Mark Hansen, David Schalliol and Clare Rosean are all still available.
Arts Industrial Complex
The City is planning an arts district down near East Pilsen.
Editorial Cartoons Making a Comeback
Nine years after the death of Jeff MacNelly, the Chicago Tribune's editorial cartoonist, the paper has hired Scott Stantis to pen original work for the paper. For a glimpse of what to expect from Stantis (and the Trib's editorial vision), check out this gallery of selected work.
Chicago Week Today: Clare Rosean
Our fifth Chicago Week feature, "Blue Mountain," by Clare Rosean, is now available in A/C. You can also jump straight to the print's page on Wall Blank.
The Spire Looking Less Likely
The Spire is drilling its way back into the headlines with a new lawsuit brought by Bank of America against Shelbourne Development for its failure to repay $4.9 million.
Chicago Week Today: Mark Hansen
Our third Chicago Week feature, "Untitled," by Mark Hansen, is now available in A/C. You can also jump straight to the print's page on Wall Blank.
Chicago Week Today: Sharon Parmet
Our second Chicago Week feature, "Like an Asteroid," by Sharon Parmet, is now available in A/C. You can also jump straight to the print's page on Wall Blank.
Establishment Temporarily Closed for Renovations
As anyone who has visited Millennium Park recently knows, the Burnham Plan centennial pavilions are taking a beating. To help out, Ben van Berkel's structure, which is pictured in Rearview today, will be closed for repairs during the next four days.
Chicago Week Today: Dmitry Samarov
"O'Hare Staging Area #10," by Dmitry Samarov, is the first in a series of five works to be featured during Chicago Week, a collaboration between GB and Wall Blank. Each print will be available for one week through Wall Blank, with 10% of the proceeds benefiting Chicago Artists' Coalition. Check A/C every day this week for a new piece by and interview with a Chicago artist.
Doors Open on the Right... At... Dammit! It's a Painting!
Cool! Here are "10 Awesome Images That Are Actually Paintings," including a nifty image of the Damen El station. And here's an even closer look.
"The Heaviest Stone to Carry"
Beautiful street art in River North.
The Seashell?
A sculpture by Zaha Hadid has opened in Millennium Park opened yesterday, in honor of the Burnham centennial.
Obey The Dominotrix
North Shore blogger Poppy Buxom bought every issue of Domino magazine after the title folded earlier this year. Maybe if she'd done it earlier Domino might still be in business? Anyway, she's reading every issue - from Spring/Summer 2005 to March 2009 - and blogging about it over at The Dominotrix.
An Urban Clear-Cut
The fate of the buildings on the Michael Reese Hospital campus might still be in the air in advance of the 2016 Olympic bid (emphasis on might), but the landscaping has already been razed.
A Weekend Day Trip Option
The Fox River Trail in Batavia is a good destination for a day trip; be sure to check out the Fabyan Villa.
Lots of Water
Wonder what the view is like from the last available 81st-floor penthouse in the Aqua tower? YoChicago has your answer.
The "Milan of the Midwest"
Thanks to Michelle Obama, our residences are now in Italy.
Street Level Art
Is collecting street art preservation or theft? Just one of the questions raised by an article in New City.
"Chicago Week" Deadline Approaching
Don't forget: Friday is the deadline for submissions for the Gapers Block and Wall Blank "Chicago Week" visual arts competition, so get those paint brushes, vectors and camera shutters going!
You May Have the Queen's Fireplace
A British newspaper columnist believes a fireplace that kept Queen Elizabeth I warm in 1574 is hiding somewhere in Chicago. So if you have "a pretentious overmantel bearing the royal coat of arms," he'd like to talk with you.
Belmont Gets Heads
Carfree Chicago profiles artist David Csisko and gets a sneak peek at the public art he's creating for for the Belmont CTA stop.
Cheap Culture
Empty Wallet is your resource for free and pay-what-you-want performances, art exhibits and cultural events around Chicago. [via]
Pow! Crash! Google!
Google has new comics themes for iGoogle, including work by former and current Chicago cartoonists Dan Clowes, Jessica Abel, and Jeffrey Brown
Nice, Um, Rendering...
The Reader takes a closer look at why Zaha Hadid's Burnham Centennial Pavilion isn't ready yet.
Elevating the Turf
Derek Erdman says, "There's something nice looking about gang graffiti, I think."
Looking Up at People Looking Down
Apparently you can see people in the Ledge outcroppings on the SearsWillis Tower from the Chicago Architecture Foundation's riverboat tours.
Hiding in Plain Sight
My favorite webcomic, former GB film critic Gordon McAlpin's Multiplex, today features a stunning rendering of Andersonville's Calo Theater façade (now a Brown Elephant store).
The Caged Tomato, Unleashed
Ever wonder who designed the Hot Doug's logo? It was Caged Tomato, Bake and Destroy interviewed her recently about her influences, baked goods and more.
TV Imitates Art
Bravo TV is casting for a new reality show a la "Project Runway," and you're invited to try out -- assuming you're a contemporary artist with the skills to produce great art in a limited time. The as-yet unnamed show auditions in Chicago on July 16, so get your portfolio ready.
Call for Artists: "Chicago Week" from GB and Wall Blank
Gapers Block is teaming up with Rockford-based arts purveyor Wall Blank to host a visual arts competition. Four winners will be featured on GB and have prints offered for sale on Wall Blank during "Chicago Week" in August 2009. Get the details in A/C.
Buildings Made of Glass
Design Slinger showcases the classic Chicago Window, as well as the artist homes of Burton Place.
Pull Up A Chair
Artist Dan Peterman's 100-foot-long art installation "Running Table" will be set up in Millennium Park in time for the July 4 party/food/drinking holiday. The artwork is a commentary on American consumption and recycling. Perfect timing.
Funny Every Day
Joe Janes is writing a comedy sketch every day for a year.
The Art of Rogers Park
This past weekend was Rogers Park's annual Artist of the Wall festival, when local residents paint new murals on the long concrete bench along Loyola Park's beachfront. Here's a video walking a good portion of the wall.
110 Stories of Green ... and then Some
The Sears Tower is about to get a $350 million makeover to reduce 80% of its energy consumption over five years. How's it going to do that? Wind turbines, among other transformations. Oh, and don't forget it's going to have a LEED certified hotel next door that will draw no energy from the power grid.
Requiem for Spike
Did you know... Laurens Corning "Spike" Shull, a U of C alumnus and WWI war hero whose "doughboy" image graces Rockefeller Chapel, is featured in Wikipedia's "Did You Know..." section today?
Thoughtful Interior Design
In A/C, Katherine Raz profiles designer Suzanne Trocmé, who's debuting a new chair at NeoCon this week.
Fund, Blago, Fund
No, don't give money to the former governor -- help fund a group art exhibit featuring works about him.
Can-Do Attitude
From today until June 28 you can check out Canstruction Chicago 2009 at the Apparel Center, an architecture competition where 19 teams have build sculptures using canned goods. After the competition, the food will be donated to the Greater Chicago Food Depository. Suggested admission: one canned good.
Building Review: The Modern Wing
Over in A/C, Carl Giometti reviews Renzo Piano's new Modern Wing at the Art Institute now that it has had a little breaking in.
Uncovering Recovering Artifacts
Apparently millions of dollars in Italian artifacts can generate quite the national interest. NPR's coverage is particularly good.
$10 million in Stolen Italian Artifacts
"It just goes to show you, you never know what you'll find in a bungalow."
View 1,000 Buildings at Once
The Chicago Architecture Foundation is putting the finishing touches on a 400 city block model of the city that includes every building in the area. Stop by from Wednesday until September 20.
...Or You Can See the Real One for Free
California-based store Out of Vogue has a rare 4-inch vintage model of the Picasso sculpture in Daley Plaza that was made for commemorating its 1967 dedication for sale on its website for $375.
Far Freaking Out, Man
Want to give your place that perfect 60s or 70s countercultural ambience? Lead Pipe Posters has original prints (some with Chicago themes) of the black light, hippie-dippie, up-against-the-wall-pig, muggle-huffing ilk quite possibly still hanging up in your trippy uncle's basement. Guess there's nothing left to be said but...
The US by Comparison
Chicago artist Kathryn Rodrigues offers an A-to-Z size comparison of the United States to (almost) every other country over on Radical Cartography.
The Deep
Here's a quick reminder that the Chicago Spire is still just a big hole in the ground.
No Gorilla at the Top
The proposed design for a redeveloped 35th Street Metra station looks a little like a Donkey Kong screen. [via]
Documenting the Building Down the Block
Have you ever noticed that the architecture website Emporis has neighborhood-based building lists? Because it focuses on major projects, a lot of lists are thin, but the site provides a decent amount of information about the buildings it does cover. Hyde Park and Lakeview are particularly full because of their decent number of high-rises.
Aqua Filling Up
Aqua, the much admired Studio Gang showpiece, has nearly landed a hotel for 15 of its floors. If you don't have the cash to visit -- not to mention live there -- you can still experience the joy of belonging by regularly reading the Aqua Homeowners website.
Extreme Makeover: CHA Edition
The Trib's Blair Kamin covers a startling transformation of the CHA's Dearborn Homes on South State Street from utilitarian eyesore to an idyllic college-like campus. Back in 2008, Carl Giometti gave another perspective in A/C.
Exploring People with Funsherpas
The funsherpa blog was launched last month with the mission of "Uncovering what interesting people are interested in." The most recent post is an interview with artist Jay Ryan, who also happens to be the designer of the GB 4th Anniversary Poster.
A Modern Triumph
Influential Artinfo gives its assessment of the Art Institute's new Modern Wing, designed by Renzo Piano. Their conclusion? It's a winner.
Passing the Buck in Bridgeport
Last week, Gabriel Villa was finishing his legal mural when it was painted over by a Streets and Sanitation crew. Chicago Public Radio has the scoop about what happened and who's being blamed. [Thanks, Justin!]
Build Your Own Fallingwater
Or Guggenheim or, if the site's splash page is any indication, the Sears Tower, with LEGO's new Architecture line, which soon include several sets of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings.
A.Okay Officially Closing
Well-loved vinyl toy, clothing and sneaker boutique and art gallery A.Okay Official will be open for the last time this Saturday. Come by for DJs, refreshments, and a blowout sale.
A Sacred Space
The NY Times gives a thoroughly positive review of Renzo Piano's Modern Wing of the Art Institute and gives us an additional sneak peek of the building.
Without Bounds or Limits
The Art Institute's Ryerson & Burnham Archives has launched a website about the Burnham Plan of Chicago for its centennial, including a set of lantern slides of images from the plan.
Obviously, It Was Where They Kept the Teleportation Tube
Katherine of Chicago wonders what the bizarre ceiling thing is at the Washburne Trade School at 31st and Kedzie.
Rainbo and Metropolis
Author Aleksandar Hemon tells the Wall Street Journal about a handful of places around Chicago that are meaningful to him, in connection with the release of his short story collection Love and Obstacles.
Assaulting the Gunnery
Blair Kamin isn't really a preservationist, but it's still interesting to see an architecture critic argue for the demolition of a Mies van der Rohe designed building, regardless of its diminutive nature. Of course, as he demonstrates in the article, not everyone agrees with him.
The Owl of Illinois
A lovely illustration of our great state. Part of Frank Chimero's States series. [via]
Rod and Stencil
Rod Blagojevich is showing up in a lot of alleys lately -- on the wall, as street art. (He was even in Rearview yesterday.)
103 Stories, Straight Down
Taking a cue from all those people with their heads pressed against the windows, the Sear Tower Skydeck will open a new feature in June: glass enclosures that stick out from the building, giving visitors a look straight down.
United in Preservation?
Oak Park's Unity Temple is on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's list of America's 11 most endangered historic places -- yet didn't make Landmark Illinois' list announced earlier this week. Interesting. (It's not on Preservation Chicago's list either, but then it's not in Chicago.)
Pushing the Boundaries
NewCity profiles some of Chicago's breakout artists in the current issue.
Endangered Places
Landmarks Illinois has released its 2009 list of the 10 most endangered places in Illinois. Chicago entries include two hospitals -- Michael Reese (as covered in Mechanics) and Prentice Women's. Chicago's Landmarks Ordinance itself got special 11th designation.
Edible Action Art
Combine jelly and wrestling and you'll get attention locally. Make art with those ingredients and you'll attract international attention.
"Chicago can still do things"
The Trib contextualizes the opening of the Art Institute's Modern Wing in these economic times, plus it gives us a brief mother-son exchange and a vague statement from the Institute's director.
Posterized Book
GigPosters.com is producing a book, which includes several local poster artists -- and if you preorder it, you could get a limited edition Jay Ryan art print free!
Uncle Lauri Fun Apple
Artist Lauri Apple will be making art in the window at Uncle Fun, 1338 W. Belmont, from 11am to 5pm this Saturday. Check it out, then stop inside for some art projects of your own.
The Latest Version
Version, a festival of arts, music and education, kicks off tonight and runs through May 2. This year's theme is "Immodest Proposals."
Modern Ride
Have a few thousand dollars lying around and a secret desire to travel in curvy aluminum style? You're in luck -- check out this Vintage Airstream Trailer offered by Johanna in Logan Square.
Lions Brought To You By...
As we mentioned, Alderman Ed Burke is nonplussed about the upcoming Art Institute fee hike. The council votes tomorrow on some sort of finger wagging legislation. I recommend privatizing the lions or maybe installing "sitting meters" on the steps.
Concern for Prairie School Half of Michael Reese Campus
Despite assurances from the city that the 1907 main building at Michael Reese is safe from demolition, pieces of it are going missing and being damaged. There is still no word on the modernist portion.
Not a Bad Donation
When farm-implements heir Brooks McCormick passed away, he donated his 8,000sq ft condo in the name of his wife, Hope, to four local organizations and the World Wildlife Fund. They may each receive $1 million from the sale.
New Neighbors for the Bean
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Burnham Plan, Millennium Park will enjoy two new pavilions come June 19. More in A/C.
View the Alien Up Close
Speaking of the U of C, the oval outline of its new Helmut Jahn designed Mansueto Library is finally recognizable, as you can see for yourself on its webcam.
South Works Loses a Partner
A major financier of the redevelopment of the largest "open" land in the city, the former U.S. Steel South Works, has dropped out of the plan. To give you a sense of scale of the project, the other partners are continuing preparations to build "17,000 housing units, a million square feet of retail space and a 1,500-slip marina on the site."
City of Big Landmarks
Is the East Village a historical landmark? Neighborhood resident Carol Mrowka doesn't think so, and took her case to court when the city deemed it so. This kind of legal action has local preservationists worried about the "future of scores of such landmark districts and buildings in a city that adores its architectural legacy."
Oak Park's Secret Gallery
"I can't imagine 'My garage is also an art gallery' would serve as a successful pick-up line." Meet The Suburban.
Beyond the Burnham Plan
In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Burnham Plan, Chicago Public Radio launched a new section, Chicago Matters: Beyond Burnham. Among other features, don't miss the regional population growth timeline and fact list.
What Willis Is Talking About
Willis Group CEO Jim Plameri takes to the web to talk about the renaming of the Sears Tower. [via]
Newly Green + Wired
If you've been holding off on checking out the MSI's Smart Home, now's the time to go. It's recently been remodeled and is open for business.
Inside the Damaged Holy Name Cathedral
The Trib gives us a glimpse into the fire-damaged Holy Name Cathedral.
Everything But Net
Be sure to check out today's Layer Tennis match, which features local artists Phineas X. Jones versus Dan "Jetsah" Grzeca battling it out on actual paper, not pixels. The action starts around 2pm.
Making the River Walkable
The Chicago River pedestrian route from Michigan to State is now three months from completion and looking good. The next extension will go from State to Lake.
Documenting Vanishing Significant Buildings
Former GB staffer and web extraordinaire Dan X. O'Neil just launched a new website that documents buildings on the city's Demolition Hold List. If you'd like to know how he made the site, check out his description of the process.
Poster Design Contest for Chicago Public Library
The Chicago Public Library is accepting submissions for a poster design contest to promote the library and its "Not What You Think" campaign. Poster artist extraordinaire Jay Ryan will be among the judges. You can read all the official rules here. Submissions must be received by Thursday, April 9.
Historic Buildings and Park Designated
According to the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, Chicago's Inland Steel Building, Spiegel Office Building, and Independence Park were all recently added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Underground Comics Queen Tells All
It hasn't been easy, but formerly Chicago-based independent cartoonist, teacher, and wind energy protester Lynda Barry has risen through a troubled childhood and rocky adulthood to become a creative legend.
Homeless But Not Hopeless
A homeless poet finds salvation in his words. Hear some of his work over at Medill Reports.
We're Gonna Build Something This Summer
Haven't you always wanted to build your own furniture? In A/C, Christian Scheuer shows you how to make a cool side table.
A Shining Beacon
The owners of the Sears Tower are considering painting/cladding it in silver, to save energy and draw new attention to our tallest building. And possibly blinding people on sunny days.
Not Quite a Sister City
In Isreal's Negev Desert is the Tze'elim Military Base, and on that military base is the city of Chicago, "so named because its bullet-ridden fake walls apparently recall the punctured real walls of Al Capone's Chicago."
How Are You Doing?
Journalist and Gapers Block contributor Laura Mayer wants to know how you are for her audio art project. Call 1-800-737-6045 to let her know. Audio clips are posted on the site regularly.
"Creativity in short supply"
We know what some of you think about the Olympic bid, but most public critiques haven't spent much time on the architecture. Blair Kamin starts the discussion with a serious critique.
With Friends Like These...
This week's Reader feature investigates the financial troubles threatening the eviction of Loren Billings, the 89-year-old widow who lives in and runs the Museum of Holography.
Walter Gropius and Michael Reese
Following Preservation Chicago's inclusion of the Michael Reese hospital in its most recent Chicago 7, Blair Kamin writes about new evidence that Bauhaus founder Walter Gropius played a bigger role in the design of Reese than previously thought. If you're unfamiliar with the look of the hospital's modern buildings, here are additional photographs.
The Unemployment Blues
Now we KNOW the economy is in a nose dive: Even Blue Man Group isn't immune to layoffs. They've also cut back on PVC pipes and marshmallows (OK, not really sure about those last two).
Gaga for Googie
NewCity explores a vanishing architectural style. More examples of Googie on flickr.
More Good Design at O'Hare
InterContinental's new O'Hare hotel is part of a wave of high-end design sites replacing no-frills airport hotels. It has amenities like an art gallery with in-house curator in adddition to an overall contemporary design.
Art Institute Free for February
Just a reminder, the Art Institute of Chicago will be free of charge and the Edvard Munch exhibition, which opens 2/14, will be half price.
Cool Forgotten Luggage
Speaking of the CTA, the Damen Brown Line stop recently reopened, featuring some very cool new public sculptures. (That leaves just Paulina and Wellington still closed, incidentally.)
Public Art for Public Transit
In A/C, we've got a report on Tuesday's meeting to choose public art for the Belmont CTA station. Uninvolved by certainly related: the Chicago Public Art Group.
Four Floors, Parking Underneath
My first apartment in Chicago was in a four plus one. It was pretty awful.
State Sovereignty National Union
That's the Illinois state motto, as printed here by Emily Wick as part of her Fifty States and their Mottos project.
Seven Endangered Places ... and Things
Preservation Chicago's annual Chicago 7 draws our attention to the house of photographer and preservation activist Richard Nickel, the mid-century Modern portion of the Michael Reese campus and the "Old-fashioned" wood windows that decorate many older Chicago buildings, among others.
Another Hancock Building for Chicago
Chicago real estate firm The John Buck Company may soon add Boston's Hancock Tower to its portfolio, which includes a good chunk of the Chicago region.
Modern Piano
Get a sneak peek at the Art Institute's new Modern Wing, designed by architect Renzo Piano.
Exquisite City Returns
Last fall, local artist Kathleen Judge curated this extraordinary exhibit of a city made (mostly) of cardboard at the Viaduct. The exhibit closed in December, but you still have a chance to check it out. Starting Thursday, the exhibit runs--complete with sound effects--at the Chicago Tourism Center. Details in Slowdown, or check out the Exquisite City site.
Architecture of Years Past
If you haven't explored Google Book Search, you owe it to yourself to find the time. Lynn Becker has an excellent starting point for you. [via]
Mr. Shep Goes To Washington
Shepard Fairey's iconic, ubiquitous "Hope" portrait of President-elect Barack Obama has been acquired by the National Portrait gallery. The work should be on display by Inauguration Day. Can't make it to D.C? Check out Go Tell Mama! if you haven't already done so.
The Work of Comics
In A/C, Lindsay Muscato interviews Josh Elder, author of graphic novels including Mail Order Ninja.
Commemorating the Pigeon Man of Lincoln Square
Street artist Saro is looking for photographs of Joseph Zeman from which to create a tribute. Zeman was struck and killed by a van in the December of 2007.
Trump Tower Spire Finally Installed
After several attempts, the Trump Tower's mandated spire was installed on Saturday. Watch video highlights of the more-than-four-hour spectacle.
Spire-ling Downward
The construction of the beleaguered Chicago Spire has a new headache: Dublin-based Anglo Irish Bank Corp., who is the main lender of the Spire's developer, is going through its own American-style financial woes with the resignation of a president who concealed $121 million in personal loans and rapidly falling stock values.
The Mall-fication of Wrigleyville
Did you know there's a huge "mixed use mega-complex" in development for the southeast corner of Clark and Addison? Addison Park on Clark would take out all the businesses on the east side of Clark Street all the way down to The Irish Oak.
Impressionists Come Home
About six months ago, the Art Institute of Chicago lent around ninety Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces to Fort Worth's Kimbell Art Museum while the AIC galleries were being expanded. Today, the paintings are back, including Gustave Caillebotte's Paris Street, Rainy Day, which returns to its old place at the top of the stairs.
The Emperor Has No Clothes
Remember the nude Palin painting at the Old Town Ale House? Well, Governor Blagojevich has joined it -- and he's nude too.
'Goth' Without The Eyeliner
The blog Public Art In Chicago gives a peek at the latest addition to the city's outdoor art lineup. We think it'll look familiar to you, although not quite like this.
Departure
... and even more photogaphy (Photo Friday at GB!). The work of photographer and multimedia artist, Daniel Everett and in particular, his stunning Departure series.
FLW Masterpiece in Need of Repair
Frank Lloyd Wright's masterful Unity Temple is in peril after heavy rains brought down a portion of the ceiling. Help out if you can.
Taylor Made...and Demolished
The ever-vigilant architecture critic Lee Bay looks at the rise and fall of the controversial Robert Taylor Homes on his blog. He even includes a link to video clip of Mayor Daley the Elder speaking at the grand opening.
Art on Tape
Explore the world of video art with the Video Data Bank.
Nerdbama
From "50 Things You Might Not Know About The President Elect": he collects Spider-Man and Conan the Barbarian comics. I think his motto leans more towards "With great power comes great responsibility." than "By Crom...free my hands and I'll varnish this floor with your brains."
Travel Talk
Tonight at 7pm, FoGB Anne Elizabeth Moore will be reading new work about "life among the cute and the Cambodian," based on her recent travels to the country, at The Parlor, a reading series sponsored by Bad At Sports Podcast and hosted by The Green Lantern, 1511 N. Milwaukee Ave, 2nd Floor.
New Life For Old Post Office
The old main post office maybe finally be getting a new life as an office and condo development, according to the Sun-Times. The plan also calls for reducing the middle section that rests over the Eisenhower Expressway. To be fair, the building hasn't been totally useless over the years, appearing in two very popular movies recently.
Looking Good Inside
The AIA Chicago awards for excellence in interior architecture are up. Wish I worked in some of these places.
Tower of Babble
Hey, is anyone else tired of This. F*cking. Election?
A 'Hole' Other Problem
Now that plans for the Chicago Spire have been put on hold (due to economic reasons), Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamen is wondering what we could with the hole that's been left behind. He's gotten lots of suggestions so far, most of them making reference to Mayor Daley and/or Todd Stroger.
City of Slumped Shoulders?
Recent problems with the construction of The Chicago Spire and selling out Trump Tower is leading some to speculate that Chicago is losing its "skyscraper swagger."
Thing Sings?
The Addam's Family musical will debut at the Oriental Theater in November 2009. It hasn't been cast yet, but Nathan Lane and Bebe Neuwirth have participated in readings as Gomez and Lurch. Just kidding. Obviously, the lovely and pale Ms. Neuwirth was born to play Morticia.
Trumpblocked?
The New York Observer speaks of ill tidings for Donald Trump's nearly completed Trump International Hotel & Tower. The curiously coifed real estate magnate owes lenders $1 billion, but has sold only $600 million in condo units. Well, at least it looks snazzier than the old Sun Times building. For now.
Exploring the Art Foundry
Strange Closets attended an open house at 319 Albany, aka the Chicago Fine Art Foundry, over the weekend. They took lots of pictures.
From 'Village' To Condo
The days may be numbered for Hyde Park's Village Center shopping district. Plans for a 150-unit condo are underway and just needs the city's John Hancock on the deal. One of the area's blogging watchdogs, Hyde Park Progress, wrote about the future of the site a while back.
RIP: Ben Schaafsma
Another loss to Chicago's art community: Ben Schaafsma, curator and co-founder of InCUBATE, died on Saturday after being hit by a car in New York. New City's Art blog has an obituary.
Long Live Analog
Chad Kouri loves working with paper. Pick some of his work up on Etsy.
RIP Patrick Welch
Local artist Patrick Welch unexpectedly passed away last Thursday. He originally hailed from England, and founded an art movement he called micromentalism. Welch was interviewed for Gapers Block in 2007. You can also listen to an interview he did for Chicago Public Radio this past June. Memorials are appearing on his MySpace page. Welch will be much missed by Chicago's art community.
Architecture is in the Details
More than you ever expected to learn about "sculptured glass modules," a particular subgenre of glass blocks.
World's Largest Hole in the Ground
Upset that he hasn't been paid the $11.34 million he's owed, architect Santiago Calatrava has stopped working on the Chicago Spire and has filed a lien against the developer. Although underground utility work is still being done at the site, the developer has postponed all other construction work due to the problems with the economy.
WBEZ's Polling Place Photo Project
When you're ready to take a break from photographing for GB's Transitions Photo Project, retrain your camera on your local polling station for the WBEZ Polling Place Photo Project.
Lost and Found
In a nice reversal on the spate of curious burnings experienced by several of his buildings over the last few years, a Louis Sullivan storefront has been rediscovered at 18 S. Wabash.
Adding a Line to Saarinen's Poem
The Wall Street Journal reviews OWP/P's 15 year journey renovating and updating the U of C's Law School complex. More images of the classrooms and main tower are available on the firm's wbsite.
Work Stops at Chicago Spire
GlobeSt.com is reporting that work has stopped on the Chicago Spire at 400 N. Lake Shore Drive, planned to be the biggest residential structure in North America. A spokesperson for developer Shelbourne Development Group blames the economy, but says condo unit sales at the 150-story tower are still happening and that completion is still expected in 2012.
Call for Images: Transitions
GB is doing a photo feature for Detour on the theme of "Transitions," and we'd love to get submissions from readers. If you'd like the chance to be included, please add your photographs to our flickr group with the tag "Transitions" by noon on Saturday, October 18. More details are available in the group's discussion section.
Glass and Mud House
Interested in seeing what the recent floods did to the historic Farnsworth House? You can take a tour, and by doing so help fund its restoration. [via]
Check Out Art
October is Chicago Artists Month; there are dozens of events highlighting the city's vibrant arts scene all month. See a full list of events here
Yeah, I Drew a Pretty Good Square with One of Those Once
Wow. The senator from Illinois as rendered in Etch-a-Sketch... and more!
Now That's Reporting
Apparently, the "Beanie Baby magnate" just bought the penthouse of the Chicago Spire. Keep in mind this is currently the lead story -- with graphic and all -- on the Trib's website.
Palin Spotted @ Old Town Ale House
A nude painting of vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin (or is it Second City alum Tina Fey?) now graces the wall at the Old Town Ale House.
Chicago Gathers a MoSS
Next weekend, the Museum of Sustainable Style opens for a four-day look at sustainable clothing, accessories and furniture.
Gunnery Building to be Demolished
Despite earlier hints that the Gunner's Mate School in North Chicago would be preserved, the Navy will go ahead with plans to demolish the building.
Further Frank Lloyd Wright
...this time courtesy of Jason Fried: The Mike Wallace Interview.
World Famous Architect
Edward Lifson digs up a video of Frank Lloyd Wright on the game show "What's My Line?" in 1956. [via]
Resurrecting Pilgrim Baptist Church
Architecture fans take heart. Plans are afoot to rebuild Dankmar Adler and Louis Sullivan's Pilgrim Baptist Church, which caught fire in January 2006 (one of three Sullivans to burn to a crisp that year). The current estimate for repairs is $37 million. Donations are encouraged.
Important Buildings in Trouble
Landmarks Illinois has released its Chicagoland Watch List, an annual review of threatened buildings in Chicago. If you're so inclined, you can vote on which ones should be preserved at the Trib.
Landmark Under Water
As noted by the Reader's "Chicagoland" blog, Mies van der Rohe's famous Farnsworth House has fallen victim to the recent heavy rains. Donations are being accepted to help restore the landmark structure. If you can, contribute.
Burnham's The 'Face' of Chicago
The Tribune's "Skyline" blogs discusses the impact of Daniel Burnham, not only on the look and layout of the city but the 'burbs as well.
Chicago has the Craftiest Bastards
And you can prove it. The Washington City Paper (in D.C.) organizes a cool craft show called Crafty Bastards. This year they're running a contest to vote for the bastardiest crafter craftiest bastard. Norah Utley of Sheriff Peanut (and Berwyn) is in the contest. And in case you've never seen her cool-ass stuff in person, you can pop into this weekend's Renegade Craft Fair to say howdy.
Chicago's Female Founding 'Fathers'
It wasn't just the Marshall Fields and the Potter Palmers who rebuilt Chicago after the Great Fire. WBEZ-FM reports on the women who helped raise the city from the ashes.
Now That's a Hole in the Ground
The Chicago Spire's progress has reached the surreal stage.
Turning Trash into Cash
This week is recycling week at GB, with two features exploring what is typically perceived as the underside of the economy. In A/C, we take a look at Scrappers, a documentary film featuring the lives of three local scrap metal collectors. Over in Detour, we visit with Barry "Can Man" Woodson, leader of a street crew of recyclers in Wrigleyville. After reading the articles, you may want to check out the Scrappers fundraiser on Friday.
River North Landmark District Proposed, Delayed
Last week's discussion of a preliminary landmark designation for a section of River North was on the schedule then off again due to intervention from Alderman Brendan Reilly. The action will now go down during the Landmark Commission's October meeting.
"Second Hand Bandit" Potentially Identified
Authorities claim the person responsible for 21 bank robberies is a South Side designer. It appears this is his myspace page.
Taking Stock of Louis Sullivan
Chicago architecture fan Lee Bay takes at look at the recently unwrapped Louis Sullivan-created Chicago Stock Exchange arch on his blog, as well offers as some great random people shots at Buckingham Fountain.
Stitch-a-President
Whether you're a fan of Obama, McCain, or a Hillary booster, you can embroider your vote with free redwork patterns from Black Threads, a blog about African American quilting. [via]
Red Rubber Ball
Kurt Perschke's RedBall project is coming to town. Fans of The Prisoner be at ease.
It's Not Graffiti, But Actual Art On The El
This Saturday you can experience the Orange Line like never before. Art On Track will convert an eight car CTA train into a mobile art gallery from 6-10pm. Sorry kids, no strollers will be allowed on this ride. Tickets are only $5!
Keepin' It Real
In September 520 homes in Ravenswood Manor will join the National Register of Historic Places. For residents, including Gov. Blagojevich, that means tax credits for rehab work.
Displaying the Preserved Preserved
One of the city's finest preservation artifacts, the former Chicago Stock Exchange Building arch, is being slowly uncovered now that the Art Institute's Modern Wing construction is wrapping up.
The Embiggening of Chicago
From four-story condos to Calatrava's tower, Chicago is getting bigger and taller. Unfortunately, there's likely nothing you can do about it should that huge new development loom over your yard.
Love, Delivered
Today is your last chance to take advantage of Pink, a (Love) Courier Service. Jaime Calder has the details in A/C.
Beijing Bests Chicago ... and Everywhere Else
Ever wondered what the world's most famous film critic thinks about Olympic ceremonies, China or President Bush? Wonder no more.
LaSalle's New Pal
Tne New York Times shows LaSalle Street and its classic architecture some love, citing renovation as one of the boulevard's assets.
A Perfect Memorial
Cultural Chicago thinks the Harold Washington Library is a fitting tribute to the late mayor.
Communing with Cartoonists
The Holy Consumption is a site showcasing the work of Chicago-based cartoonists Jeffrey Brown, John Hankiewicz, Paul Hornschemeier and Anders Nilsen. Get a peek inside their sketchbooks and how they develop their work.
Fresh Meat
Veaux.org (which is French for veal) is a new site launching today for artists and designers to showcase their work for the advertising industry. The site was designed by local studio Synthetic Infatuation.
More Chicago on Project Runway
Project Runway fans will be excited to know a Chicago contestant will be on the show this year.
Remember to SOLVE
Juxtapoz magazine has a truly moving article about the life and death of and memorials to recently slain street artist, Brendan "SOLVE" Scanlon. After you're done reading this, wipe your eyes and go check out SOLVE's last show at Swim Cafe, up through August 1.
In Illinois, We're Sittin' Pretty
You can relax now: The list of "America's Best Public Restrooms" is out and, yes, Illinois has two of the top 10 spots, including one in Chicago. You can vote for the No. 1 place for No. 1 (or 2) here.
Buy a Metal House
Not just any metal house, actually -- the metal house, as seen on HGTV and elsewhere. It's for sale -- the architect who owns it is building a new metal house right next door.
Musheum of Science and Industry
Dave, who runs the Building Collector blog, proudly added a wee, lumpy-looking pot-metal replica of the Museum of Science and Industry to his collection of little itty-bitty edifices.
Not One, But Two
Speaking of domes, plans to create a multi-million dollar fitness center are making progress [lower right side] on the South Side.
Sweet Dome Chicago
Chicago's own Tiffany dome, thought to be the largest in the world, is back on display at the Chicago Cultural Center after a brief restoration. More in A/C.
Stitching the CTA
Jessainthebox creates embroidery based on photos shot on CTA trains. [via]
Checking Out The Scene
The always-interesting Urban Observer (aka Lee Bey) offers serenely beautiful shots from around the city, as well as a visual tour of the underappreciated John W. Farson House (The Pleasant Home) in Oak Park.
Baguio, New Sister City?
The city of Baguio, Philippines would like to be another of our Sister Cities. Interestingly, Daniel Burnham did the city's initial master plan.
Logan Square Gets Preservation Props
The July/August issue of Preservation magazine, published by the National Register of Historic Places, gave Logan Square a nice write-up for its lovely abodes, complete with a descriptive walking tour.
The Art of Getting Together
It's time for our monthly GB Get-Together, and we've got a big evening planned for this Friday! Join us at artist Mike Genovese's studio in the pedway below the Chicago Cultural Center from 5 to 7pm, then follow us to Phaiz Gallery at 8pm for free wine and an exhibition of pop song-inspired art. The only catch: you'll have to RSVP to get in. Details in Slowdown.
Love Factory In East Pilsen
An artist from Austin is coming to Chicago soon and setting up a Love Factory, with assembly line, where messages of love will be built and delivered by bicycle to various zip codes in Chicago. It's an art project on a grand scale. The artistic director of 'Pink on Tour' has a website with more info about the project and they are seeking volunteers to help out.
Art in the Salon
Tonight at ROOMS Gallery's monthly Salon, there will be theatre, film, burlesque, music and, um, clowning, all for just $3.
Bringing Mies Back to Life
860-880 N. Lake Shore Drive, one of Mies van der Rohe's first glass-and-steel highrises, is undergoing restoration. Edward Lifson has some closeup photos of the work.
It's Really OK
Local artist Sighn gets a little attention in GOOD magazine for his "ITSOK" series. (Thanks, Audrey!)
Speaking of the Waterfront
If you're all parked out, why not try a waterfront museum? The McCormick Tribune Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum is located on lower Wacker Drive at Michigan Avenue and gives visitors a look at "visions for the river realized or forgotten." It's open Thursday through Monday and costs just $3.
Beautiful Bungalows
Know any awesome bungalow rehab or garden projects? Nominate these Chicago classics for a Richard H. Driehaus Bungalow Award. Winners will get $750, appear in an exhibit and receive other recognition. Download an application on the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association's site.
Tributes to SOLVE and an Arrest
Following his murder, the Trib profiles SOLVE and provides details about an arrest made in his case. Tributes are being posted in a new flickr group and an ongoing discussion, which has plenty of links to other tributes and information.
Another Mid-Century Architect Gone
Walter Netsch, primary architect of the UIC campus and numerous other buildings has died.
Eco-bridge!
Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture is shopping around a bold proposal for the lakefront.
Viñoly's New Design for the U of C
Following the recent announcement about new construction at the U of C, the school's announcing a new medical pavilion building designed by Rafael Viñoly. The Trib has the most details, but there's an image in the Chronicle article.
The View from Above
Check out the (hypothetical) panoramic view from the 140th floor of the Chicago Spire. [via]
What Can Evanston Teach Hyde Park?
Plenty, apparently, particularly when it comes to redeveloping HP's Harper Court, as Hyde Park Progress points out.
Studio Underground
Artist Michael Genovese has transplanted his art studio to The Pedway below The Cultural Center, adding a touch of "hip and artsy" to temper the tunnels' vibe of "sun-starved and empty."
Koons Summer
Tomorrow, Jeff Koons’s first major museum exhibition in more than a decade starts at the MCA. It runs through September 31. Get in the mood with your very own Koons iGoogle theme.
Art For The People, By The People
ArtWorks, a new community center in Uptown that offers affordable art classes for the whole family, is having an open house this weekend to show off the works of community residents. Details in Slowdown.
Summer Solstice in Hyde Park
Hyde Park Progress attends the grand opening of the new swanky Solstice luxury condo development in Hyde Park ... and gets a touch of vertigo.
Observing the Big Onion
Mike from Chicago Carless got an unexpected treat on a recent Great Chicago Places and Spaces tour: a visit to the secret observation deck atop the Intercontinental Hotel.
Protecting Michigan Avenue
Blair Kamin alerts us that the National Trust for Historic Preservation will name the Michigan Ave. streetwall to its annual list of endangered places. The Trust is concerned about threats of rooftop development, like proposed plans for the Chicago Athletic Association Building.
Marina City Modifications
Despite protests from Marina City residents, Dick's Last Resort's plan to move to and modify the structure has been approved.
Can't Read it, but it's Pretty
Congrats to FoGB Revise CMW on winning the Montana paint's "In Search of the Best Writer" graffiti contest.
Make Your Own Mini-Movie
Hideous Beast recently announced a short film project, Show and Tell. Find a member of their community willing to teach something they feel is valuable to a larger public, and make a one- to three-minute movie about it. The finished flicks will be shown here and on the Beast's Movie Bus.
The Politics of Art
Hyde Park Progress celebrates the planned removal of a piece of public art in the neighborhood that has fallen into disrepair, yet remained standing because of its precarious location in the middle of two wards.
Brutalism, Meet the Dome
Helmut Jahn's proposal for the addition to the U of C's Joseph Regenstein Library would definitely be the most radical building on campus. More details are available in a Trib article, along with these thoughts about the design: "The hesitation is: 'Where is my large, drab rectangular box to have books stored in?' This is very different, but it will still do what that box was going to do."
No Relation to Forrest
Today, in its weekly Comic Book Urban Legends Revealed series, the Comics Should Be Good site shares the sad story of Sidney Smith -- Trib cartoonist and creator of the incredibly successful but seldom remembered comic strip "The Gumps".
Smart Homelife
The Museum of Science & Industry's latest exhibit, "Smart Home: Green + Wired," debuts today. Prairie Mod's latest podcast is an interview with creator Michelle Kaufmann.
Screenprinters, at Your Marks
Announcing the First Chicago International Poster Biennial. Artists have until May 27 to submit a poster, 100 of which will be selected for the juried show June 7 at IIT's Crown Hall. [via]
Spindle May Rise Again
After the demise of the Berwyn Spindle last weekend, word comes that the Spindle may be rebuilt, if the former owners can work out a deal with the artist. Also in Spindle news: an appreciation of the artwork by one of Berwyn's most ardent supporters, Svengoolie.
It's Not Really Rubbish
If you want some lovely movies to past the time, look at the efforts of local collective Look At Rubbish. They've won heaps of praise for their music videos, and are exhibiting at Cannes this year. You can probably follow some of the fun at their blog, Trash on Rubbish.
Photographing Looptopia
Couldn't make it to Looptopia this year? Flickr with Looptopia 2008 pictures if you want to see some of what you missed.
Nothing Really Matters
The Berwyn Spindle comes down, and the Sun-Times has the video. Wayne Campbell was unavailable for comment.
Say It Ain't So...
Close to 90 paintings from the Art Institute of Chicago's collection of Impressionist art are heading to Texas, where they'll be displayed at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth. The good news: they'll be back in time for the winter holidays.
Rust Never Sleeps (Or Goes Out of Style)
After pioneering the "oxidized look" for some of its buildings (most notably the Daley Center), Chicago architects are turning once again to self-weathering metals that purposely rust.
Bike to Artropolis, Get in Free
A ticket to this weekend's Artropolis, the international art show at The Merchandise Mart, is normally $20 for a one-day pass, but if you bike to the event you'll get free admission to Art Chicago, NEXT, The Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fair, The Artist Project and The Intuit Show of Folk and Outsider Art. That's a whole lot of art to look at for free, people! Just park your bike in the racks when you arrive and check in at the South Lobby Concierge Desk to get your ticket.
Volunteer Your Skills
We know that a big portion of you, our dear readers, work in advertising, design and marketing. If you're looking to put your skills to use through volunteer opportunities, consider joining the ranks of the Arts & Business Council or the Taproot Foundation. Help non-profits while expanding your professional network.
Signs of Trouble for the Chicago Spire?
Garrett Kelleher's development group didn't meet property tax filing deadlines in March. Is it a sign of trouble, or is everything moving along just fine?
Mile High
What if Frank Lloyd Wright's Mile High Illinois building had actually been built here in Chicago? It might look a little like this.
Steppenwolf Gets a Spinal Tap
Actor Michael McKean will be coming to Chicago this summer as a castmember of the Tracy Letts-penned Superior Donuts. The play runs June 19-August 17 at Steppenwolf.
Dick's Creating Controversy in Marina City
Dick's Last Resort's plan to move into Marina City and add "garage-style" doors along the river is meeting opposition from residents.
eBay Auction of the Day
The Berwyn Spindle, a bargain at $50,000 (shipping costs $100,000). The Sun-Times reports that the Spindle is still coming down to make way for a new Walgreens, so it's either going to a good home or being taken down by the current owners, who will then "take a look at our options" to see what they can do with the sculpture.
Sounds in Isolation
In a post about "supercuts," Waxy.org points out Chicago artist Chuck Jones's collection "Isolation Studies." (The rest of his site is worth exploring, too.
Monuments and Murals
Swing by A/C to check out this week's double interviews with muralist Augustina Droze and Carrie Hanson, choreographer of Monument, which is currently running at Ruth Page Center for the Arts.
His View from There
WFMT critic and interviewer Andrew Patner has a blog covering the arts, classical music, and occasional forays into local politics--all in his inimitable Patnervian style.
Missing Monster Mask
Have you seen an elaborate demon mask in a styrofoam cooler? It belongs to Miss Monster, and it's gone missing after her landlord threw a bunch of her stuff in the alley.
Architectural Background
The Art Institute has an impressive collection of oral histories from Chicago architects. [via]
The Word On The Street
Mother Jones magazine interviews Chicago spoken word icon Malik Yusef on music, the state of hip hop and the trouble in the streets.
Endangered Chicago
The Landmarks Preservation Council announced its annual 10 most endangered buildings in Illinois, and this year it goes to 11: Wrigley Field joins the others due to the renovations and proposal by Tribune Co. to "relax" city landmark status to let some major changes slide.
This Week's A/C Feature: Sara Schnadt
If you haven't already, head over to A/C and check out this week's feature, which is an interview with performance and installation artist Sara Schnadt.
Re-Cover the Fountain
The Wicker Park-Bucktown SSA is looking to redesign the winter cover for the Nelson Algren Fountain in the Polish Triangle. Further details here; download the RFP.
What Might Have Been
Lee Bey presents some fascinating, unrealized plans for the South Loop and the Cook County/City Hall building in the current Chicago Journal issue. As always, you can check out the Emporis unbuilt high-rise section for more crushed dreams.
Bought a Calder Print Lately?
Two Northbrook men are among seven arrested in a bust of counterfeit art rings that sold thousands of counterfeit pieces to art buyers around the world.
How to Market a Building Internationally
Given that the Chicago Spire is a speculative building, there's the question of how to raise the funds. Apparently one way is to host exhibitions in a variety of cities, such as Dublin, Hong Kong and Singapore, about which this release was written.
Living in (Green) Style
West Town residents and Art Institute faculty members Frances Whitehead and James Elniski make the New York Times Home & Garden section today for their elegantly styled, green tech-tacular pad. The couple's home features photovoltaic and thermal panels, geothermal desuperheaters, dual-flush toilets and other enviro-sound amenities.
Good Design on the Cheap
The NY Times sings high praise for the relatively new and inexpensive buildings designed for the Hyde Park Art Center and the Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies. [Thanks, Jessica!]
Pushing All the Buttons
School of the Art Institute faculty member Wafaa Bilal's controversial video game/art installation "Virtual Jihad," in which viewers are supposed to kill U.S. soldiers, penetrate a bunker and assassinate President Bush, has been pulled from an exhibit by a Troy, N.Y. university. Bilal, born in Iraq, gives his side of the story on his website.
Foreclosure Lawsuits? 95. Years? 3.
The Sterling Private Residences can now claim the title of reigning Chicago Foreclosure King. Way to go! (If you are a premium subscriber to Crain's, you can read the full article.)
Black Mark for Blackstone
Don't count Tribune architecture expert Blair Kamin among the biggest fans of the newly rennovated Blackstone. While he applauds the effort, he manges to use words like "garish," "atrocious," "screeching," "psychodelic," "disconcerting tension," "jolting," "bizzare" and "grotesquely" in his review.
Putting People Back in the Illinois Center
The Chicago Loop Alliance recently released redevelopment suggestions for the Michigan Avenue side of the Illinois Center. One sample idea: a "modern adaptation of the Spanish Steps in Rome."
Introducing A/C
Gapers Block is proud to announce the launch of our latest section, A/C, covering arts and culture in depth. Don't miss the premier feature, a look inside the studio of artist Erik Newman.
What a Wrigley Name Change Could Mean
Trib architecture critic Blair Kamin warns about what Sam Zell's plan to sell naming rights to Wrigley could mean for landmark buildings across the city.
Dwelling in Ukie
Dwell Magazine takes a walking tour of Ukrainian Village, hitting a range of the expected and the lesser known in art and commerce.
Not Much Protection
The Reader has a scathing critique of the Commission on Chicago Landmarks.
‹-- Two-Way Wrist Radio, Deactivated
Sadly, the Dick Tracy Museum in Woodstock, IL, will close June 1. Dick Tracy was created by Chester Gould, who wrote and drew the comic strip from 1931 until he retired in 1977. Cartoonist Ed Piskor provides a colorful account of a meeting between the rather conservative Gould and cartoonists Jay Lynch and Robert Crumb here.
Freshly Dipped
From the creators of Midwest-born Formula Werks comes Freshly Dipped, a site where you can find local art, wearables, and more. Right now, you'll find stuff for sale from local street artists Artillery, The Grocer and more.
Shredded Missouri
Check out the work of designer Frank Chimero, especially his ongoing The States series.
The Blackstone Rides Again
The New York Times trumpets the rebirth of the historic Blackstone Hotel and ties its return to the housing/building boom in the South Loop.
Calling All Artists...The Coyote Wants You (Maybe)
Around the Coyote is joining forces with Looptopia this year for its spring arts festival on May 2 and is looking for artists to participate. Perhaps this is the perfect time to take that piece of visual art, literature or music that you've been pouring your soul into and give it the audience it so sorely deserves? Move quick, because the application deadline is this Friday, February 15.
Textaport Tonight
Head on over to the Caro d'Offay Gallery at 2204 W. North Ave. tonight for Textaport 2008, in which artists try to interpret descriptive text about a particular mystery object and create an original work of art based on that description. When the creating's done, the results -- made on-location, and remotely -- will be put on display. 6-9 p.m. Call 773-235-7400 for more info.
Goin' to the Movies
Local webcomic Multiplex just released its first e-book, collecting early strips and several new ones. And it's free!
Dwell loves Chicago
The March issue of Dwell shows a lot of Chicago love; first with a profile of Wilkinson Blender Architecture's gut-renovated, Gold-certified LEED-H home the Wis Tavern Building and secondly an interesting article about architect Bertrand Goldberg, best known for his landmark Marina City complex and the endangered cloverleaf-towered Prentice Women's Hospital.
Art Between Art
It seems appropriate that the I^3 Festival of interstitial art begins on Leap Day -- the ultimate interstitial date.
Gallery Raid
Contemporary art gallery Kass/Meridian was raided by the FBI today as part of an art fraud investigation.
The Artful Codger's Local Connection
George Greenhalgh, an 84-year-old pensioner from Manchester, U.K., received a two-year suspended jail sentence on Jan. 29 for selling forged works -- produced by his son, no less -- to museums around the world, including the Art Institute of Chicago. Greenhalgh's piece to the Art Institute was a fake Gauguin, the Glasgow Daily Record reports. Due to his old age and poor health, Greenhalgh won't go to jail, but will instead be free to stay at home and listen to his old Oasis and Fall records.
A Room with a Feud?
The new Trump International Hotel and Tower is set to open today, possibly amid protests by Local 1, a hotel workers union. Meanwhile, another big downtown hotel is reportedly in the planning stages.
Chicago El Stories
CTA art isn't usually all that interesting, but this work by Jonathan Gitelson looks amazing, at least online. We'll have to wait for the Armitage stop to reopen to be sure.
Gaining Exposure
If you caught the MCA's Sympathy for the Devil exhibition this past autumn, you might recall encountering a couple of photographs by local artist Melanie Schiff. The 30-year-old Chicago photographer is now the subject of a three-page profile in the February issue of the international art magazine Modern Painters. The attention arrives after Schiff was recently selected for inclusion in the 2008 Whitney Biennial. The artist is currently represented by the Kavi Gupta Gallery in Chicago.
The Latest Chicago 7
This year's list of most endangered Chicago landmarks from Preservation Chicago includes the idea of landmark designation itself.
February Free Days
The Art Institute of Chicago will offer free general admission every day from Feb. 1-29. You'll still have to pay for the Hopper and Homer special exhibitions, which open Feb. 16, but the museum makes it up to you by offering weekend Q&A sessions with its curators, Saturday lessons in conservation and other perks.
Very Cold Art
You can watch the progress of the Museum of Modern Ice's Paintings Below Zero at its official blog. Can someone please shorten that URL?
Oo La La!
Chicago photographer and Nelson Algren buddy Art Shay once took an artfully racy photo of Algren's lover, French author, philosopher, and feminist Simone de Beauvoir, which writer Susie Bright has thoughtfully provided on her blog. (Possibly NSFW, hardly hardcore, but definitely lovely.) For background on Algren and De Beauvoir's legendary affair, go here.
End of Creche Exhibit
Sunday is your last chance to see the creche exhibit at Loyola University's Museum of Art, otherwise known as the LUMA (P.S. - today the museum's free).
A Little Creepy
If you're in the mood for some spooky photography and artifacts (a coffin, outmoded medical restraints!) this weekend, check out the opening of Ward 7: America's Abandoned Asylums at the Co-Prosperity Sphere Saturday evening.
Modern, Schmodern...
"Less is more (boring)" for local financial investor Richard Driehaus, who takes a swipe at the city's modern architecture in favor of the classical style. So much so that he's opening his own museum for decorative arts in the Nickerson Mansion here in Chicago in the spring.
Art Against AIDS Preview Exhibit
Art Against AIDS, the annual art auction that raises funds for Heartland Alliance's AIDS/HIV programs, takes place February 28. But if you'd like the check out the art before the benefit, head to Gallery 180, 180 N. Wabash, from today through February 14 to see (or buy) work donated by artists from around the nation.
Spire for Hire
Get your checkbook out. Residences in the yet-to-be-constructed Chicago Spire went on sale today. Prices range from $750,000 to $40,000,000 for a two-floor penthouse. No word on whether that includes free cable.
Mapping the Familiar
Ryan Maconochie is a Chicago-based designer who loves maps. The ones he's designed for Chicago are great, especially his "Small Snack" map of Wicker Park/Ukrainian Village/East Village.
Chicago Architects Win AIA Honors
Two area firms, Vinci | Hamp and Roszak/ADC, have earned AIA Honor Awards for their work with the Illinois State Capitol [pdf] and the Roszak private residence [pdf], respectively.
DIY Green Building
We've pointed to Green Bean before -- the blog run by Erik Olsen, the Green Projects Administrator for the City of Chicago. Today he writes of a remarkable DIY green building project run by two brothers in the South Chicago neighborhood. Their use of reclaimed old growth forest wood framing, hardwood flooring, sub-flooring and joists to make cabinets, patch floors, and frame out new triple-glazed windows is a welcome change from the bulldoze-and-build crowd.
More Box Seats, Advertising at Wrigley Field
The city's opaque Department of Planning and Development, which controls development of and rehabilitation of landmark buildings and areas, has approved an additional 70 "bullpen box seats" and more digital signage.
Go "Down"
The Reader brings us word that a radical Italian theatre company is looking for 40 dudes to come on stage and beat a young lady with pillows. Oh, don't give me that -- it's for art! Check it out for more info on the company, the performance and how to apply. Watch out for those feathers.
Street Art Spotting
If it's too cold to stroll, you can still check out your favorite street artists -- indoors at New'd. Artist Artillery curates a show at the new/used clothing shop each month. Currently, he's showing blutt work. Next month, it's tiptoe and Saro.
An Art Attack from Smoking
Now that the smoking ban is in effect, what to do with all of those leftover ash trays? West Town Tavern chef Susan Goss is currently collecting some of them for use in an "Ashes to Art" exhibition which will feature creations by local artists. The exhibition, to be held at The Architrouve and benefitting Erie Neighborhood House, is slated to open February 19.
Jasper Johns' Shades of Gray
This week is your last chance to view Jasper Johns: Gray at the Art Institute. The special exhibition, which closes on Sunday, showcases Johns' use of the color gray as a "statement of skepticism, quietude, or anticipation." Besides being a critically acclaimed artist, Johns also guest starred as himself in a 1999 episode of "The Simpsons" entitled "Mom and Pop Art."
The Magic of America
The NY Times draws attention to Marion Mahony Griffin, the first licensed female architect in Illinois and primary illustrator of Frank Lloyd Wright's Wasmuth Portfolio, among other achievements. Visit her 1,600 page memoir for more background.
A Haven for Criminals!
In a warning to artists and other small businesses throughout the city, 30 tenants of the Fine Arts Building were issued $200 fines for not possessing a business license. The licenses cost $225 for a two-year period.
Kiss Kiss
Been to the MCA lately? There's a slo-mo makeout session happening in the fourth-floor gallery, the work of British-born artist Tino Sehgal. Witnessing the crowd's reaction is half the experience.
The Fraud
"The Faun," a sculpture owned by the Art Institute purported to be the work of Paul Gauguin, is a forgery.
Keep the Kids Off the Streets
If you've got some kids in school and have no idea what to do with them when they have weekdays off, do we have a solution for you. The Hyde Park Art Center is offering a series of five all-day creativity programs for kids. The series is $80 for members, $100 for non. Check it out here.
Lakeshore Club Building Saved!
The Lakeshore Athletic Club Building, usually one of the entries on the list of the state's most endangered historic places, appears to be saved! The Sun-Times reports that Northwestern University is selling off the building to be turned into housing for seniors.
Therapeutic House Tour
Apartment Therapy: Chicago is hosting a House Tour and after-party this Friday; join them for a tour of five live/work spaces in Fulton Market. Don't forget to RSVP!
Check Out Some Art
The Chicago Artists' Coalition has redesigned its website and added a new video segment.
Neglected Beauty
Rearview contributor and excellent photographer Carey Primeau launches a new photography site and portfolio. While I've seen my fair share of deserted and abandoned photography sites, Primeau really does elevate these photos to stunning. One of the more stellar sets has to be his Uptown Theater set, a building that has intrigued me for years. So good.
Tanked
They may not be designed by Louis Sullivan or Frank Lloyd Wright, but preservationists still see architectural and historical importance in Chicago's 178 gravity-fed rooftop water tanks.
Photo Swap on December 6
The second Gapers Block/Calumet Photographic Photo Swap is a little more than a week away, so print up five 4"x6" photographs to exchange with other photographers. Of course, there'll be plenty of free food and drinks to accompany the swapping. Details in Slowdown.
Spertus Almost Ready
The Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies' new building will be open to the public starting on November 30 with a series of events and a new range of amenities.
The Art of War
Iraq war veterans join artist Aaron Hughes to discuss their anti-war projects on Sunday, Nov. 25, 3-5 p.m. at the Hyde Park Art Center. The discussion is an extension of the Center's current "Consuming War" exhibit.
One Nation, Under Poetry...
Dina Elenbogen, representing Israel, and Palestinian poet Issa Boulos will join voices at "Free Verse, An Evening of Compassion, Peace and Renewal" tonight, 6 p.m., at Flatfile Galleries, 217 N. Carpenter. The event, sponsored by UniVerse of Poetry, will also feature live music as well as 20 other local poets and an organic buffet. The event is free but donations are accepted.
Salavon's City
Jason Salavon, whom we talked to last year, has some beautiful new work, including this layered view of the Loop. [via]
Free Art Ends Today
The MCA's "40 Free Days" come to an end today; swing by after work.
You Can Go Home Again
Artist Keith Edmier recently unveiled his latest work Bremen Towne at the Center for Curatorial Studies at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, NY. Bremen Towne is a full-scale reproduction of several rooms of Edmier's childhood home in southwest suburban Tinley Park, circa 1971.
Marina City Sick of All the Paparazzi
Lynn Becker, who runs the local blog Architecture Chicago Plus, writes about a head-scratchingly strange resolution on the table of the Marina Towers Condo Association. It proposes that they alter Rule 5 of their charter to say that no one can use the image of the Marina Towers without expressed written permission of the board. This includes filmmakers, advertisers, and apparently amateur photogs. It's raised a number of eyebrows, including those of some more open-minded residents. They vote on the resolution on November 15. [via]
Cry Havoc, and Let Loose the Rugs of War
Local artist Barbara Koenen is currently at work on a war rug--composed not of thread but of various spices, seeds, and firecrackers--at the MCA all this week. For more information on the original Afghan war rugs, go here, here, and here.
Behind the Design: The Chicago Spire
Not quite the expose on Santiago Calatrava (also known for his work on the Milwaukee Art Museum), but Creative Review, a design magazine based in the UK, showcases the design work of Third Eye Design who did the collateral for The Chicago Spire. Even if you don't like the Spire itself, the accompanying literature praises our fair city.
Art: What?
Inspired by My Kid Could Paint That (the documentary of a father who sold his four year-old daughter's paintings for big bucks), the what-is-art debate rages amongst Chicago's storefront theater intelligentsia over at the blog Angry White Guy. You can still catch the film in Wilmette and rue your own unappreciated kinder-masterpieces, or see Mr. Fluxus at The Neo-Futurarium and decide whether you agree with Yoko Ono's take on art.
Threadless in Person
Chicago Business posted a video profile of the Threadless retail store and included a mention of its "loose plan" to have stores in at least 11 cities by 2009.
More Art Named After Food
In February, Millennium Park gets an installation by Canadian artist Gordon Halloran. Its official name is "Paintings Below Zero," but the Tribune has already nicknamed it "The Popsicle."
There Ain't No Bottomless Pit Here, This is F@#king Magic, Man, and We're All a Part of It Together
One of my favorite designer-artists out there, Cody Hudson, is having a solo exhibition at the MCA. Hudson brings a mix of street art, urban graphics and blends it with his own personal inspirations to create his work. The exhibition, which is titled that long title up above, begins tomorrow (Nov 3rd) and runs through December 2nd with Hudson presenting an Artist Talk on November 20th which will have him leading a tour of his exhibition.
Former IBM Plaza May be Landmarked
Amid flagging occupancy rates, luxury hotel ideas and changes in the downtown office market, Prime Group Realty Trust is seeking landmark status for the 1972 Mies van der Rohe structure.
Millennium Park Gets Icy Art
An announcement was made yesterday that "Paintings Below Zero," an outdoor exhibition of a multicolored, 95-foot-long wall of ice, will be on display at Millennium Park during the entire month of February. Finally, the Bean will have someone to talk to when he's feeling a little gloomy.
Film & Fashion Night with Nau
Nau, the outdoor atelier whose clothes are eco-friendly is hosting a Film & Fashion Night in the South Loop on Tuesday, November 7th from 8pm to midnight. There's going to be BMX Ballet, food and drink (first drink free or so we hear) and other festivities. Learn about sustainable economy! It's free if you download, print and bring this ticket. More details in Slowdown.
"This is Marina City"
A new site about the Marina City building complex just launched, including a great promotional film from 1965. (As you'd expect with any condo association, there were some disagreements about how it should be done, so two condo owners did it themselves.) [via]
Steve Albini + Funny Laugh Ha Ha
The Sound of Young America, a public radio show out of Los Angeles, is doing a live show tomorrow night at Second City. The main event is an "in-depth interview with legendary music producer Steve Albini". Schadenfreude, Team Submarine, and Hannibal Buress will be doing comedy.
Make a Lawni Anderson Sculpture
You have until Oct. 31 to submit your art and interactive installation proposals for LAWN NATION: Art & Science of the American Lawn, an exhibition planned for May 2008 by the Notebaert Nature Museum. The in-house exhibit will explore America's love-hate relationship with grass through works of art, installations and special events. Here's a suggestion: An installation featuring sprinklers that actually water the grass, not the sidewalk or the heads and feet of passersby.
Chicago: City on the Move
New from City Files Press, the people who brought us Richard Nickel's Chicago, is Chicago: City on the Move, 150 years of photos from the collection of the CTA. Buy.
Terra Back in Action
The Terra Foundation for American Art hasn't been in the news much since closing its Michigan Avenue Museum in 2004, but it's back in the limelight with a new $3 million program: American Art American City: A Chicago Celebration.
1000 Knitters
If I were to add up all the knitters I know in person, or online, I could get probably get to a hundred or so. However, Chicago photographer and knitter Franklin Habit of The Panopticon is hoping to meet 1000 knitters and photograph them. The next public shoot is at My Sister's Knits (9907 S. Walden Parkway) on October 26. Since he's gotten Kaffe Fassett to knit with white yarn, maybe he'll even be able to convince Delores to pose for him.
A Local Battle
At 2pm today, Layer Tennis starts. Local designer Chuck Anderson competes against Steven Harrington. Consider your afternoon blown.
Chinatown Community Center Wins Prize
Remember the Partners in Preservation contest? Well, the On Leong Merchants' Association/Pui Tak Community Center won the vote. If you're interested in the rest of the rankings, here are the full results.
It's Not Junk ... It's Art!
If you find yourself at California and 21st, look around! You're right near Little Village's own Museum of Objects Left on the Sidewalk. It's a mini museum from artist Rebecca Wolfram. Some objects left at her outdoor museum include a dead frog, shoes, coat hanger sculptures and lots of other odds and ends. Says columnist Tom McNamee, "If Wolfram tried this in, say, Kenilworth, they'd call the police on her -- and you people in Kenilworth know that's true."
Light Up the State
Visitor to the newly opened McCormick Place West Building may catch a glimpse of this very cool light installation by Jason Peot. It represents all 102 counties in Illinois as wooden houses, containing a proportion of wood that matches the county's population.
Window to the Stars
The NY Times features Chicagoan John Spack's $100,000 domed observatory in its discussion of the burgeoning trend in home construction.
Do You Know Albert Zeno?
The Chicago Public Art Group would like to meet him [top story] in order to help document and repair one of his murals.
Dybek and Welch on the Radio
Chicago Public Radio's "Hello Beautiful" interviews lawyer, author and MacArthur Grant recipient Stuart Dybek on this weekend's show; last week they talked with Patrick Welch, founder of the "micromentalist" art movement (whom we profiled earlier this year).
October is Art Month
The 12th Annual Chicago Artists Month is under way, and offers a ridiculous number of opportunities to meet artists, ogle their studios, stroll through unfamiliar neighborhoods on gallery walks, schmooze at openings, and even try your hand at something creative. Slowdown notes just some of the highlights; click here for a complete schedule.
40 Free Days at MCA
To celebrate "40 fearless years," the Museum of Contemporary Art is offering 40 days of free events starting this Saturday. Lots of chances to get inside and stare at art for free if you can't get to the museum on Tuesday, the usual free day.
A Hundred Canvases
100 Paintings 100 Days is a project by Arielle Sandler: one 6"x6" oil painting a day, released for sale a week's worth at a time. $125 each including shipping.
Archival Art
Photographer Ian "only-connect" Lorenzo (whose photo was featured in Rearview on Thursday) does some amazing things with his flickr account. Individual photos shine, but it's best to view his archives page by page by page.
Buyer Beware
As if the overbuilding, high prices and cookie-cutter looks of so many of the new condo buildings, the Chicago Journal's Alan Shannon points out some other drawbacks.
On the Map
National Geographic is bringing its popular Festival of Maps to Chicago Nov. 2 -- spread out over nine museums, libraries and other locations.
CNN Architecture Shout Out
Omnipresent CNN's all up in our stuff with an article about Chicago's architectural legacy, along with some photos and a short video about Frank Lloyd Wright's local connections.
Fashion Design and You
If you've started or are planning to start a fashion business in Chicago, the City of Chicago and Macy's would like to give you the opportunity to win a Designer in Residence position at the new Macy's State Street Chicago Fashion Incubator. There are some stipulations and a $75 application fee, but you can download the application and get the full details now [pdf].
Mulling the Museum Move
As debate escalates over the Chicago Children's Museum's proposed move to Grant Park, Blair Kamin offers a scathing critique of the current Richard J. Daley Bicentennial Plaza while reminding us of the 1836 statement: "Public Ground -- A Common to Remain Forever Open, Clear and Free of any Buildings, or other Obstruction Whatever."
Big & Green & Closing
You have till tomorrow to catch the very cool Big & Green exhibit at the Chicago Architecture Foundation, featuring 15 green building projects in Chicago or by local architects. Ugh, turns out the exhibit was from 2004. (Sorry, the pages included the date, not the year.)
Pick Your Favorite
American Express and the National Trust for Preservation have teamed up for Partners in Preservation, a very worthwhile contest: 25 Chicagoland architectural and historical landmarks vie for $1 million in grants for preservation and protection. Who wins is dependent on votes, so vote for your favorite -- and in classic Chicago style, you can vote more than once, every day in fact.
Street Art for Kids!
A huge collection of Chicago's street artists have come together to raise money for a Cicero public school. Check out the show (and buy some art, will ya?) at the Grind Cafe in Lincoln Square. The show opens this Friday evening, and features artists such as Blutt, Codo, Sonny Rainclouds, Solve and more.
Free Store!
Into freecycling? You're invited to The Free Store sponsored by Ausgang Gallery. To donate, email Melinda [at] ausgang.com To shop, visit The Free Store this weekend at 51st and Racine, from 11 am to 6 pm.
Marathon Mural
Keep your eyes trained on the new LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon mural being painted by the Kennedy right now. It's by local muralist Jeff Zimmerman, who incorporated the ideas of Chicagoans reacting to the fact that this year's race might be the last.
Art And Pilsen: Dialogo
Local bi-lingual paper El Extra has run an article about an interesting sounding exhibit at the National Museum of Mexican Art. Titled "Dialogo", this installation chronicles three artists reactions to discussions between mothers and daughters within the Pilsen and Little Village communities.
Is That a Ninja In Your Pocket?
Shawnimals is coming out with even tinier versions of its pocket ninjas, with a loop so you can have one guard your keychain. Sweet! In other art/craft news, two of Delicious Design League's Flatstock posters are now for sale on UrbanOutfitters.com.
Chicago's New Architecture
Chicago Magazine's current issue includes a feature on the state of Chicago's contemporary architecture scene, complete with a fairly interesting top 10 list, which includes gems like The Contemporaine. Check out their feature, then weigh in on your favorite and least favorite buildings.
HELLO BATTLING SEIZURE GODZILLA ROBOT NINJA KITTY!
Toy Karma, an exhibit of the works of artists and designers inspired by classic Japanese toys, starts September 8, at the Rotofugi Designer Toy Store and Gallery. Adorably bizarre creations by folks like Alex Wald, Frank Kozik, and many others will be on display.
Protecting Modern Architecture
With the recent demolition of Dart's Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, Blair Kamin makes another call for including modern buildings in the city's architectural protections.
This Is the Pitts
The Illinois Department of Health inspected the gorgeous-inside-and-out, Art Deco Pittsfield Building last week and then sealed off floors 13 through 21 after discovering asbestos during remodeling. I assume the lobby is still open, and safe. If so, why not stop in and enjoy a nice "alfresco" tuna melt at the Pittsfield Cafe while gawking at the magnificent Gothic ostentatiousness of the Pittsfield's five-story atrium?
Lucy near Lake Shore Drive soon?
The world of archaeaology is blowing up over the secretive start of a tour of the fossils of Lucy, the 40% complete Australopithecus afarensis skeleton discovered in Ethiopia in the 1970s. Many are calling the tour a "dangerous gamble with an irreplaceable relic". The Field Museum is slated to be one of her stopping points.
Viva La Local Latina Fashionista
I told you last week about local designer Anna Fong being in the top 20 for AOL's AOL's Latino Fashionista contest. She's in the top 5 and could use your vote before Saturday to push her into the top 3.
The Brush Project
DvA Gallery is auctioning off original artists' brushes to help raise money for Americans for the Arts, a nonprofit working to increase the visibility and stability of arts education across the country. Each brush is signed by the artist and framed in shadow boxes (a few even come with drawings or books). Check out The Brush Project for photos of the brushes and the artists' works. The auction is on ebay, and ends this Friday.
Trump Marches On
YoChicago checks in on the progress at Trump Tower.
71 Degrees
Studio Gang, the firm behind Aqua, is doing something interesting in Hyde Park.
Podcasting a Muse
If you find yourself wandering Chicago museums this summer (whether alone or with out-of-towners), one thing you can do to spice it up is to add a podcast to the mix. The AIC has a monthly Musecast that discusses its current exhibitions and goings-on. The MCA also has a long list of podcasts about a current exhibition that address multiple pieces, like this one for Escultura Social with bilingual versions.
A Pedagogical Factory
Starting on Sunday, the Stockyard Institute, AREA Chicago and other organizations will initiate "Pedagogical Factory: Exploring Strategies for an Educated City" at the Hyde Park Art Center. Throughout its run, topics will include "How We Peoples Make a People's Atlas of Chicago," "How We Grow: Self-Education and Urban Farming Gathering" and "How We Brew/Bake/Mead Etc Cottage Expo."
Pitchfork? Don't Forget About Flatstock!
If you're going to Pitchfork this weekend, don't forget to bring money for Flatstock, the "ongoing series of exhibitions featuring the work of many of the most popular concert poster artists working today". If you're not going to Pitchfork, you can spend the next 4 hours or so clicking on poster links here. UPDATE: This week's Reader has a nearly-comprehensive take on 17 of the best Chicago-based screen print artists here.
Three-Card Monte Tour
Apartment Therapy drew attention to City Walks Chicago, a tour book deck of cards, with which you can design your own walking tour of downtown.
Briefly Stepping Back in Time
The Palmolive Building will briefly light its beacon tomorrow night. It may not be the real deal, but it's the first test of a configuration that may be used on future special occasions.
Decorate Your Walls
Dan Grzeca (pronounced "Jet-sah") designs concert posters as well as fine art screenprints; he's now selling them on Etsy in addition to festivals and craft shows.
Hopefully, Freud Won't Slip
If you're near Columbia College today (600 S. Michigan), take a look up and you'll see something singular: Sigmund Freud, dangling from one hand off a steel beam. Entitled Man Hanging Out, this fiberglass replica by Czech artist David Cerny is being exhibited as part of Chicago's Prague Days celebration. The sculpture (ahem) hangs through August.
Global Reduction
First there were the Cool Globes. Now there are Mini Cool Globes, basketball-sized globes designed by everyone from Sheryl Crow to Joe Lieberman. If you'd like to see them in person, head to the Wacker Lobby and the Jackson Pavilion of the Sears Tower.
Major South Loop Development
In the arithmetic of today, 8 acres = 3,000 homes + 1 hotel + (unspecified) stores + 1 marina. Now this developer needs to turn in its homework on time.
Pilsen On the Brain
Branch out from the downtown and Wicker Park gallery scene with a spin through Pilsen. Stop at Polvo, an alternative art space run by a group by the same name; art-pilsen, a community art blog; and the Chicago Arts District, coordinators of the second Fridays art fest.
Be Ware
T.S. Eliot allegedly said "Mediocre writers borrow; great writers steal." Applying that to artists, what is Flemish cartoonist Ief Claessen supposed to be? Come to think of it, what's up with that British Petroleum guy? (Scroll down.)
1,000,000 sq ft
A 50-story commercial building may soon be the capstone to the Chicago River. If built, it will increase the amount of new office space in Chicago by 20%.
Preserve This City
Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois is holding a conference on preservation this weekend, starting tonight with free tours of the K.A.M. II Synagogue and Hyde Park Bank. Much more is planned throughout the weekend, and it's not too late the register.
You're Suspect and Funny
Suspicious Clowns 9 is the current show at the Live Bait Theater and I hear it's good. Quite good. The Reader approves too. Friday and Saturdays all through June.
DIY Loop Tours
The Chicago Loop Alliance offers Loop the Loop, three free podcast tours of the Loop covering notable art, theatre and landmark destinations. Nice perspective renderings of key buildings, too.
Julie Thoma Wright, 1958-2007
Julie Thoma Wright, a noted designer, passed away earlier this week after a battle with colon cancer. Thoma Wright, along with her husband Richard Wright, was known for being the force behind Wright, a Chicago auction house specializing in modern furniture and art. The Wrights were profiled last year in an article in The New York Times.
Art of Protest
An ordinance to privatize the selection of public art, among other things, proposed by Mayor Daley and the Department of Cultural Affairs is being considered by the City Council this morning. Artists and activists will be protesting the silencing of artists' voices at City Hall starting at 10am. You can help keep public art meetings open by calling or emailing your alderman's office -- look it up here -- or head on down and join them.
Art for Procrastinators
Lee Mingwei's multi-part exhibit, "Impermanence" (at the Chicago Cultural Center through 1 July) includes a Guernica made of sand and a room containing multiple configurations of bed and nightstand; but check out the Letter Writing Project: an arrangement of three enclosures that invite you to write that letter you've been putting off. You can have it mailed or leave it for others to read; and reading other people's letters is no small pleasure.
Take the Express to Niki in the Garden
If you're interested in seeing the new Niki St. Phalle exhibit in Garfield Park (more than 30 playful sculptures by the noted artist are placed amidst gardens inside and outside the Conservatory building) but the thought of long waits for the west-bound Green Line discourage you, click here for details about new express trains running between Randolph and Wabash and Garfield Park Conservatory Saturdays and Sundays.
Collaged Clothing
Check out the very interesting textile artwork of Marcy Sperry, who also blogs about Rogers Park life at Thank You for Your Submission.
Typeface vs. Font
Word from Kartemquin Films regarding their in progress film: "Kartemquin is currently working on Typeface, a documentary about cultural preservation, rural renewal and graphic design history in the Midwest.To support these efforts, we're holding a benefit on June 15th at the Center for Book and Paper Arts here in Chicago. Toad Hollow Vineyards is providing the bubbly, MJ Catering is bringing the sweets and a number of local artists (including Jay Ryan and Dennis Ichiyama) are donating original works for the silent auction." While the much lauded Helvetica opens the same night at the Siskel, it is a weeklong engagement. So, why not support the locals? Looks good to me.
Calling All Political Printmakers
Chicago area based printmakers are invited to submit original prints and artist books for a joint group show being organized by The New York Society of Etchers, Inc. for the Loyola University Museum of Art on Michigan Avenue. The exhibition is scheduled for presentation in the fall of 2008. For the exhibitionl, "The Art of Democracy," they are seeking artist prints and artist books featuring the topics of war, domestic politics, constitutional rights like privacy an free speech, human rights, environmentalism and related areas of social activism.
Rally For Lakeshore Club
As previously reported on GB, the historic Lakeshore Athletic Club building is on the list of the 10 most endangered buildings in Illinois, and Preservation Chicago is planning a rally at the building (850 N. Lake Shore Drive) this Sunday, June 3 at 1pm to raise awareness of the historical value of the property.
Another "Independent" Theater
Sundance Cinemas announced it will open a new eight screen theater in Chicago. It'll be located in the West Loop when it opens ... in Spring 2009.
Master of Light Meets Light-Fingered Thieves
A 350-year-old Rembrandt etching, valued at 55 grand, was stolen from the Hilligoss Gallery on North Michigan Avenue—presumably by a well-dressed couple with, assumedly, good taste.
Free Architecture Tours This Weekend
Sure, there's more to it--like tomorrow night's panel discussion on innovation in social housing, activities for kids, and open access to intriguing indoor spaces--but the chance of a free Architecture boat tour may seem more compelling. Other tours get you inside some of the bridge houses on the Chicago River (cool!), point out Arab influences on the city, and discuss how restaurant decor and cuisine can go hand in hand. Click here for complete details; all tours and programs are free.
Estrogen Fest Starts Tomorrow
Estrogen Fest 2007: Back on the Fringe starts its 10-day lady-made extravaganza of performance/dance/theater/music/vaudeville/etc. Wednesday night at Prop Thtr., 3502 N. Elston. Watch people do stuff in the performances and panels, learn to do stuff in the workshops, and buy stuff at the craft fair (curated by DIY Trunk Show and featuring GB staffer Cinnamon Cooper). The All Est Fest Pass is $50, but you can see individual events for various prices.
Swap Met
Man, we were all set to tell you about the awesome Jay Ryan poster that went on sale yesterday over in Coudal.com's Swap Meat, but they sold out before morning. So instead, go check out the equally awesome Brendan Dawes C-prints of 2001: A Space Odyssey and all the other cool stuff.
14,100 Gallons of Water Per Minute
Now that the Buckingham Fountain is going full blast, maybe you'd like to astound your friends with some related trivia. For example, it opened on May 26, 1927, and its computer's name is the "Honeywell Excel-Plus."
Say Goodbye to the DuPage Theatre
If you are at all sentimental about old-tyme movie theaters, or have a particular soft spot for the DuPage Theatre in Lombard, you better high-tail it over there, because a judge has just cleared the way to knock it down. If you can't get there, see pics at Google and Flickr. Want to be a friend of the doomed theater? Go here.
First Person Shooter
Wafaa Bilal, an Iraqi-born artist, has set up a little target practice in Flatfile gallery -- and he's the target. Domestic Tension is an installation involving Bilal, a room and a motorized paint gun controlled by a webcam; line it up and try to shoot him. Follow his video diary and learn more on CrudeOil.us, or see it in person; the installation lasts till June 1.
Da Arts
Da Mare announced that the city, through the Department of Cultural Affairs, will again award Cityarts grants totaling more than one million dollars for the year of 2007. Of the 296 organizations receiving grants, 55 are new this year. Many of the grantees are arts programs for youths, but established groups are also included. Since 1979 the Cityarts program has awarded more than 13 million dollars in grants.
The Artist's Guide to Making Money
1. Create art
2. Print guide
3. ???
4. Profit!
Are You Ready for Post-Postmodern Architecture?
George Jetson's high-rise order is nearly ready to be filled in Chicago, but not everyone's a fan of his new digs. If you're curious about similar projects, check out the bizarre Dynamic Architecture website.
Glasner House Renewed
Newsweek takes a look at the renovation plans for Frank Lloyd Wright's Glasner House, with not one but three videos explaining what will happen. [via]
Design Geeks Get Ready
At yesterday's Daley Urban Forum, Bruce Mau, the designer/futurist behind the MCA's recent "Massive Change" exhibit, confirmed that he's not only going to open an office here, but he's also moving his family down from Toronto. Why? He admires the city's energy and our talent pool.
Attack of the Smileys
Several cars in Printers Row received smiley face makeovers last night. The Trib astutely predicts "if the taggers are caught, there will be no smiles."
Other People’s Baggage
This week is the start of a series of events spanning over 2 months about "making you feel good, about feeling bad." The group Feel Tank Chicago started several years to explore what they thought was missing in discussions about politics - discussion about depression and the relationship between feelings and political activism. Their new event series of lectures, performances and meals"Pathogeographies: Or, Other People’s Baggage" starts out on next week and lasts all month. The exhibition under the same name they are organizing opens at UIC's Gallery 400 next month (June 15-July 7).
Go, Go Chicago Architecture!
If you're a fan of Chicago architecture, you should definitely check out Great Chicago Places and Spaces 2007. Advance sign-up for more than 200 tours is only available online and starts today at noon.
Prez 39 Disses Graffiti Blasters
Chicago blogger Kathy Moseley is fascinated by the mystery of Wicker Park scrawler "Jimmy Carter," whose work is carefully curated at her Flickr account. Has the Georgian ex-president taken to tagging, or is there another explanation? All that's left to say is, Jimmy Carter says, "Yes."
Third Grade Architectural Modeling
Elementary students at the Lab School have been building their favorite pieces of the Chicago skyline in Joyce Carrasco's class for more than a decade. Check out examples from the class of 2004-2005. Dibs on the Morton Salt building! [via]
The Canyonization of Evanston Continues
While everyone is still abuzz about the Calatrava Spire (it just won approval for a zoning change, btw), developers have quietly pushed a plan for a 49-story condo tower in downtown Evanston that would become the tallest building ever in Chicago's suburbs. If you've visited Evanston lately, you know that it's gotten pretty tall in recent years, but this one would be twice as tall as what's there now.
Contemporary Art on the South Side
The Renaissance Society, the University of Chicago's contemporary art advocate and gallery, is hosting its next opening on Sunday. If you've never visited, the Katharina Grosse show should be a fine introduction to the gallery, which has exhibited everyone from Picasso to Bourgeois. If that's not your thing, you may want to check out the Hyde Park Art Center's 24-hour Creative Move TOO.
Circus Circus
Local circus freak Ken Harck just made another acquisition. This time it's a rare Ringling Bros. poster.
van der Rohed Trip?
Now you can get inside Mies' masterpiece, Farnsworth House, with the help of the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Join the CAF for a seven-hour tour of Farnsworth House, located near Plano, Illinois, and other landmark buildings. Find out more about the tour as well as how you can reserve your spot.
Olympic Arts
With all of the hubbub about the Olympics, there's an argument that sports shouldn't get all of the attention. In a city currently alive with Version>07, and soon to have Artropolis going too, art should also be at the forefront. Tribune art critics provide a few conceptions of how art could work with the Olympics.
3Walls Announces New Gallery For Chicago Artists
For the last several years Three Walls has been an international artist residency program based in Chicago. Today they announce ThreeWallsSOLO, a new space (at 119 N Peoria, Unit 2A) dedicated solely to local artists. They are interested in supporting difficult and challenging projects, and what's best -- they offer a peer jury review and a materials stipend. The space will open in September, so check out the Fresh News sidebar for submission information.
Triumphs in Dildonic Architecture
The city's planning board just endorsed a proposal for the Chicago Spire, which will be erected (chuckle) in Streeterville and top off at 2,000 feet. When completed, Chicago will once more have the tallest building in the Western hemisphere. Ha! Take THAT future Freedom Tower and the Taipei 101 building in Taiwan. But wait! Gradually, even the Spire will be dwarfed by up-and-coming stud, the Burj Dubai! Hope this doesn't affect anyone's performance.
Globes are the New Cows
This summer, 122 globes will be installed on Chicago's lakefront for an art project called Cool Globes: Hot Ideas for a Cooler Planet. The five-foot-tall spheres have been decorated with artistic representations of ways to conserve energy, from wind power (represented by pinwheels) to recycling (represented by junk mail). The Sun-Times reports that the globes will appear on June 1, and will stay out until October 2, when they will be removed and auctioned off to benefit environmental education in Chicago Public Schools.
Turn! Turn! Turn!
The Chicago Spire took another step towards reality by moving through a "critical" stage of the zoning process.
What Version?
Cool kids will converge at Version>07. This year's festival begins this weekend and runs through May 6, 2007. There's all kinds of cool-kid arty stuff happening. Check it out.
Small Birds, Collected
Diane Sudyka, best known for her concert posters and other printmaking, has been spending time at the Field Museum preparing bird specimens. The work has inspired her to draw birds to fill her own Tiny Aviary. (Thanks, Jennifer!)
Richard Nickel's Photographs on the Radio
Yesterday, All Things Considered ran Edward Lifson's fine examination of the architectural preservation photography book Richard Nickel's Chicago. Bonus: the song that plays at the end of the piece is from the Rachel's album Music for Egon Schiele, which was composed for a Chicago theater production.
Local Art For Cheap!
The Sun-Times' "Neighborhood" column profiled the owner of Sacred Art, Sarah Chazin. Her shop sells affordable art by undiscovered artists. Find out more about her shop and check out a list of more stores that sell pocket-friendly collectibles.
Goodbye, Blue Monday
Novelist, essayist, playwright, artist, activist, and, yes, City News Bureau of Chicago reporter, In These Times contributor and University of Chicago graduate, Kurt Vonnegut, has died. "So it goes."
A Very Small Museum
Michael Horvich is more than a supernumerary, he's the curator of Michael's Museum. Unfortunately, the physical museum is currently not open to the public, presumably due to high demand because of a recent Tribune article. For now, enjoy the photographs and lists.
Myron Goldsmith's Modernism
The Arts Club of Chicago, which apparently doesn't have a website, is hosting an excellent retrospective of Myron Goldsmith's architectural and teaching career. Go before the show closes on April 13, if for no other reason than to see the model of the unrealized Ruck-a-Chucky Bridge in person. While you're at it, the club has an interesting history that's worth reviewing.
Beyond the Concert Hall
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is taking great strides to expand its audience and influence, notably including a retooled nationally syndicated radio program and a performance and educational video series.
Chicago History Roundup
From the establishment of the Hull House Theater to the World's Columbian Exposition, the Sun Times lists their take on "The 50 Greatest Chicago Moments."
Remember: You Can't Really Dust for Vomit
Tickets are on sale for clever art collective Lucky Pierre's latest project: Rock & Roll: Impatience. Early reports promise the audience will be be shaken all night long.
Click!
Photobooth-o-philes, get excited! You'll soon be able to take a zany picture of yourself and your close friends at Quimby's.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game or China
As it turns out, Crain's has a pretty decent photo gallery. The most recent set documents the White Sox opener, while previous features range from McDonald's in China to Delhi, India.
SAIC Obama Jesus
There's quite a stir over the Barack Obama as Jesus sculpture over at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Only time will tell if the controversy rises to Mayor Harold Washington in Lingerie or Step on the Flag levels.
Use the Force (to Pick a Stamp Design)
R2D2 is roaming the city, and it wants you to visit the "Jedi Shipping and Mailing Master" to vote for your favorite Star Wars stamps.
Il Ritorno d'Uliss in Patria
The final installment of the Chicago Opera Theater's Claudio Monteverdi series, The Return of Ulysses, is earning strong reviews, including accolades for Rafael Viñoly's minimal set design. There are three performances remaining, so get hoppin'.
No Longer Building Solo
Solo Cup officially abandoned its new factory plans and will sell its portion of the former U.S. Steel South Works site. The new owner, Southworks Development LLC will fold the new property into its existing holdings and create a multi-use development. To put the project into context, the development area, including adjoining parkland, is bigger than the Loop.
"Final" Chicago Spire Design Unveiled
While Calatrava claims he will "keep on working on the shape of the building to the very end," Crain's is calling the latest Chicago Spire design the "final plans." Of course, no one knows if the building will actually get built, but design advances and political maneuvering continue.
Building a Piano (Wing)
The Art Institute recently installed a construction camera so we can put a face in our dreams of more modern and contemporary art. The camera produces a new image every 15 minutes.
Small Is Cool
Apartment Therapy: Chicago wants to see someone local win the 2007 Smallest, Coolest Apartment Contest. If you think your tiny pad has what it takes to beat all comers, enter by April 6.
They Built This City
Feel like some hometown exploration? The American Institute of Architects just released their list of 150 Illinois Great Places. The list includes must-sees like FLW's Robie House but also the Sofitel, bungalows in general, the van der Rohe-designed IIT campus and, well, 146 more.
Still Time To Sign Up For Art Mini-Golf
Two mid-Southside arts organizations, Material Exchange and Experimental Station, are sponsoring the "First Annual Putt-Putt Green Design Competition" and are opening a temporary public mini-golf course from March 29th to April 3rd. There are still spots to play, so sign up soon.
Button Up!
Hey, Busy Beaver is having a design contest for its next So&So button set! You could be famous in one-inch increments!
Chagall Fans, Take Note
It's been a rough few years for Chicago's Chagall fans. His beautiful America Windows has been off exhibit at the Art Institute because of construction on the museum's new wing (and won't be back till 2009). And in 2005 one of his paintings was sold to a private collector. However, we still have the Four Seasons, and there's a new biography. Its author, Jonathan Wilson, is discussing it tonight up in Evanston. Slowdown has you covered, or visit the Nextbook website to buy tickets.
Spike Press Relaunch
Spike Press, one of the best silkscreen poster shops in a city crawling with them, has just launched a new website.
So Green Architecture isn't a Passing Fad
Someone smart at the Tribune asked its arts and architecture critics what prompted them to reevaluate artists in their disciplines. Some second looks include the Trap Door Theatre, William McDonough and Walker Evans.
Controversy About Poetry
The New Yorker recently published a piece on Chicago-based Poetry Magazine and its recent large gift from Ruth Lilly. Commenting on the article in this weekend's NY Times is David Orr, who raises the question: despite the New Yorker's criticisms of Poetry Magazine, why does the poetry in the New Yorker suck so badly? (Whatever you think of Poetry Magazine, they are having a lot of readings around town, if you're interested.)
Local Girl "Most Naked"
Need a new volume for the "booty corner" of your home library? Everyone's fave Chicago burlesque diva Michelle L'amour is releasing her book "The Most Naked Woman" featuring artistic nudes from some of the country's most celebrated photographers including Bettie Page shooter Bunny Yeager. Get it now or see Michellel at G Boutique on April 7.
Spam Poetry Slam
Northwestern graduate student Kristin Thomas' spam poetry is getting attention. "Flesh Hungry Dogs, Jackhammer, Circuit and Chocolate," indeed!
Macbeth, Three Feet Tall
The Italian marionette performance company Carlo Colla e Figli begins its run of "Marionette Macbeth" at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Tuesday. Additional details are available in Slowdown.
Farwell Farewell?
Get ready for another fight over the Farwell Building: it's back up for review by the Landmarks Commission tomorrow. This time the odds of preservation are a bit slimmer, as the city's planning officials are throwing their support behind the plan to gut the building and slap its façade onto a new Ritz Carlton hotel and condo high-rise. Once again, Preservation Chicago and Lynn Becker are pushing for people to protest the proposal; the fight isn't just for the building now but for Hanig's Shoes, the ground floor tenant that will close after 30 years if the project is approved.
That's My $9.2 Million Home on N. Astor
If you're looking for the toniest neighborhood for your next real estate purchase, maybe you should check the Chicago Business High End Homes section. The feature includes maps, photos and sale prices for the most expensive homes in the region in 2006.
Quite a Building
Via Coudal and Edward Lifson: 360° VR photos of the Elks Veterans Memorial Building in Lincoln Park.
New Direction for MCA
Robert Fitzpatrick, the Museum of Contemporary Art's Pritzker Director, will step down in 2008. His ten years in the job were marked by considerable change at the institution, including the acquisition of $16,000 worth of GAP t-shirts. So polish up your résumé and keep an eye on their job page!
Chicago Area Buildings on Endangered List
The Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois has produced its 2007 list of the 10 most endangered buildings in Illinois, and 4 out of the 10 are in the Chicago area: Lake Forest's Sacred Heart Chapel; Cedar Court in Park Ridge; the Lakeshore Athletic Club building on Lake Shore Drive; and the Lathrop Homes on Diversey & Damen. Also on the endangered buildings list: a ship! A 19th century Viking ship which sailed from Norway to Chicago for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, the vessel now resides in Geneva and is in dire need of restoration.
NY Times Gives Props to Chicago Thespians
"Props," as in "kudos," rather than "theatrical set pieces." The Times has been fawning over Chicago's vibrant theater scene in recent years. Today's article reinforces to New Yorkers that culture indeed exists outside of gotham (and in fact, it's much better here), and it focuses on the cutting edge House Theater's production of "The Sparrow."
Public Art In Joliet
PeteLit has a great link to some of the neat public art available in Joliet, which is expanding beyond murals into "identity columns", a trend I think municipalities should encourage. (And while you're at his site, you might want to donate some dough to help him fight childhood cancer!)
Presidential (Hopeful) Portrait
Big fans of Barack Obama may be interested in bidding on Southern folk artist Panhandle Slim's portrait of the senator and presidential candidate.
Chicago's Second "O"
Staying true to his base, Obama's current "O" logo was designed by locals Sender LLC. They got the job through an interesting chain that includes Chicago firms AKP Message & Media and mo/de.
Hands Off the Cast Iron Frieze, Lady
Today is the last day the landmark Carson Pirie Scott store on One South State Street will be open for business. If you want one final memory of purchasing something within the elegant Louis Sullivan designed confines of the store, best pop in today.
Cedar Court Threatened
The keystone building of a unique five house crescent development is currently threatened by demolition in Park Ridge. The houses are significant for a variety of reasons, including the fact that they were designed by Barry Byrne, one of Frank Lloyd Wright's disciples, and the sculptor Alfonso Iannelli. UPDATE: More photos are now available.
This Godless Communism
It's 1961 and the communists have overthrown the government of the United States of America. Prepare yourself for the U.S.S.A.! What is the communists' first step? Move the government to Merchandise Mart! As J. Edgar Hoover says, read this comic now in order to "help us recognize and detect communists as they attempt to infiltrate the various segments of our society."
Designing Rearview
Wondering what those things are in today's Rearview photo? It's called "Pinch," a salt cellar and pepper shaker designed by GB alum Craig Berman. Pinch was awarded an honorable mention last night in Design Within Reach's Modern + Design + Function: Chicago Furniture Now competition.
While You're In the Pedway ...
Check out photos and memorabilia from the WPA-funded South Side Community Art Center on view through March in the Pedway Display Cases below the Richard J. Daley Center and Plaza. The exhibition includes historic photos, posters and recent artwork created at the center. Here's a link to our own tour of the Pedway.
Buy Art, Save Lung
Artist and friend of GB Phineas Jones caught pneumonia over the holidays, and ended up with fluid in one of his lungs. As you'd expect, he has some big medical bills, but he's uninsured, so he's selling art on his site, No Commercial Potential, to cover the costs of "lung reclamation." Help him out and get some beautiful art in the bargain.
Experience Everything But Taste
As if you need another reason to head into the tropical climes of the Lincoln Park Conservatory, you have until the end of the month to check out Shawn Decker's "Chorus," playing in the oh-so-warm Fern Room.
Chicago 2106
Remember the "City of the Future" competition? The entry from local architecture and design firm UrbanLab won! One summary video is posted, and another is to be posted shortly.
Chicago's Architectural Prestige
The AIA recently surveyed 1,800 Americans about their favorite architecture and released the top 150 as a web feature. Chicago did well in the polls, with the third largest collection of "favorite" buildings in the country, behind New York and D.C. Some obvious Chicago favorites like Wrigley Field, the Tribune Tower and the Sears Tower are listed, but other buildings such as the United Airlines Terminal and the Harold Washington Library also made the cut.
1,158 = More Than a Few Arts Organizations
The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation just completed its Chicago Region Arts Scan, a major research report surveying all non-profit arts organizations in the Chicago region in 2006. In addition to being a comprehensive directory, the report provides especially fascinating information pertaining to the growth, location, composition and funding of these organizations.
Mau's Massive Move
Bruce Mau, Toronto's star designer, is moving to Chicago. He was apparently wooed by the warm reception he received in connection with "Massive Change," the show he curated at the MCA last year. (Thanks, Craig.)
For the Low Low Price of Free
I like free. That's precisely the cost of admission to the Art Institute all day, every day, from the moment you register this sentence through February 21st. For free events, check out the AIC's calendar.
Aqua Teen Hunger (Terrorist) Force
The Aqua Teen Hunger Force advertisements that caused serious problems in Boston have been in Chicago for weeks. After all of the hubbub in Boston, most of ours were collected last night. [If you happened to snap a photo of the Chicago Ignignokts/Errs, please post it to our flickr pool for all to enjoy.]
Street Artists! Version '07 is Coming
This spring, Version '07 is looking for street artists to participate in a totally awesome exhibit, "Urban Gardening and Exterior Decorating: Hostile Takeover." It's all about how urban environments can become areas for personal and ideological transformations. Sound intriguing? Then put together your stickers, stencils, billboard mods and more for submission to this year's UGED, a mobile operation and exhibition system that will have temporary "shows" throughout the city.
Big Art in Big Shoulders
They can stir our civic pride, instigate contemplation or even reflection, and if nothing else, give us something interesting to look at. But Crain's says the city's 700 plus public art pieces can have a commercial benefit as well.
One in Two Hundred
What appeared to be the theft of an original Monadnock Building ornament turned out to be the theft of the only replica ornament in the building.
Art Pilsen, Kings and Queens
Glancing through Wikipedia's entry on Pilsen, I happened to find out about the neat Art Pilsen site, devoted to highlighting arts events in that historic neighborhood. And what else did I find? The Art Pilsen blog is highlighting the first annual Drag King and Queen Show, Bananas y Tortillas, tomorrow night, with proceeds from the show to help combat the effects of domestic violence.
Gray Matter
Hanna Holborn Gray was U of C's president from 1978 to 1993, serving as the first female president of a major university. As admirable as the professor's life has been, Gray's official presidential portrait has a more colorful history, having been repeatedly critiqued, stolen, and, in one case, inscribed with Apocalyptic verse.
X-Ray Vision?
Chicago artist Cayetano "Tano" Ferrer has been doing amazing things with otherwise drab "No Parking" signs for a minute now, but it seems like you have to be fluent in a romance language to have even heard of the guy. Here are pictures of the faux-transparent signs themselves, and a video of the man in action. Now hit the streets, line yourself up just right, and convince yourself of your own superpowers. I'd take these over those whacked-out cows anyday.
DvA Gallery Sale
The DvA Gallery at 2658 N. Lincoln Ave. is having a sale this month. Check out some seriously cool retro-inspired illustration by artists such as Jeremiah Ketner and Amanda Visell. [via]
Another - Ahem - Twist for Chicago Spire
After a significant design change in December, the Chicago Spire is losing the blunt top and undergoing further changes, although the current plans have not been publicly released [UPDATE: and sketches are now available].
Seven on the Verge
Preservation Chicago has announced its seven most endangered buildings for 2007, and it's a doozy, including the recently-in-the-news Farwell Building and the Wicker Park commercial district along Milwaukee Avenue.
Tense Forms Winter Showcase
Tense Forms, the collaborative multi-disciplinary, project-based workgroup, is holding their 2nd annual Winter Showcase at Subterranean on February the 2nd at 8pm onwards. The showcase features an insane amount of buttons (1000+), a wall of televisions screening all kinds of visual art as well as live music.
All About the Allstate Ad
If you haven't yet seen the Leo Burnett-created Allstate ad with the car that plunges into the Chicago River from the Marina City parking deck, the companies have posted both the 30-second and 60-second versions and a behind-the-scenes video at YouTube. YouTube blocked at work? The videos and a "how'd they do that?" FAQ get their own mini-site at Allstate.com, too.
Public Art on the Expressway
A number of children working with the Little Black Pearl Art & Design Center have submitted public art concepts for the new Dan Ryan retaining walls. Vote for your favorite today.
Bicycle Film Festival '07: Call for Submissions
After last year's small success in Chicago, we've heard word that the Bicycle Film Festival will be back again. Currently, founding director Brendt Barbur and co are looking for new submissions for the 2007 round of film festivals set to take place in up to 15 cities: "We are looking for films with a strong theme or character of bicycles. This includes all mediums and styles such as animation, experimental, narrative, documentary and music videos." The deadline is February the 17th so you have about a month to get going or fine-tune that piece you've been working on. Details at the site or take a look at the flyer here.
Visions of Venice on Michigan Ave.
Much as I love Chicago, after days of chilly, gray, damp weather I sometimes wish I were elsewhere. So the Cultural Center's new exhibit of large-scale Venice photographs is just perfect. Details in Slowdown.
Months of Great [Insert Cultural Activity Here]
The Tribune offers a fine selection of art exhibits worth checking out in the coming months, including some out-of-the-way gems. Other informative prospective pieces include features about architecture, dance, and jazz, to name a few.
Grownup Fingerprint Art Comes to Chicago
Last Thanksgiving, my mother-in-law gave my 5-year-old niece a little green ink pad and she started creating unique masterpieces based on her thumbprint while waiting for the turkey to appear. Unfortunately, some of these still decorate our dining room walls. New York-based artist Merle Temkin presents a much more sophisticated take in Fingerprints, a self-portrait exhibit that opens today at the Cultural Center. Slowdown has the details.
Farwell Building Plans on Hold
Follow-up to the previous item on the plans to gut the Farwell Building: the plan failed to get a majority in today's meeting of the Chicago Landmarks Commission. Play-by-play details at The Place where We Live.
Chicago of the Future
The History Channel recently asked designers to submit concepts of their cities 100 years in the future. Teams from Chicago, New York and Los Angeles are now facing off for the grand prize. Check out and possibly vote for Chicago's entry from UrbanLab today.
Knitting Winter Delight
Resolved to learn something new, or just get your hands in some yarn—either way, head over to the Winter Delights Stitching Salon now through February at the Chicago Tourism Center. There will be lunchtime knitting, knitting movies, special classes for all skill levels and lots of like-minded yarn addicts around to fuel your obsession. Many details online, but most important is, it's free.
Create Your Own Planets
If today's Rearview photo (courtesy of the ever excellent Archie Florcruz) bewilders you or makes you want to do the same thing, take a look at his entry explaining his photo and then head over to the Create Your Own Planets Flickr pool for info on how to do this.
In Defense of the Farwell
Lynn Becker makes an impassioned case for why the Commission on Chicago Landmarks shouldn't allow a developer to move forward on its plans to tear down the Farwell Building on Michigan Avenue, build a parking garage, and then "skin" the garage with the Farwell's exterior. The commission is voting on the plans today at 12:45pm; the meeting is open to the public, should you wish to be heard on the subject.
Watch Out Below!
Well, really, there's no reason to worry about the car dangling off of Marina City. [UPDATE: Visit Rearview for a photo.]
Pink Loves Brown
At last year's recent DIY Trunk Show, I made my usual rounds looking at who was doing what. The quality keeps getting better and better every year, a testament to those who organize the Trunk Show. However, one vendor caught my eye — Pink Loves Brown. The goods were smart, well-designed, retro-modern and quality. Nicole Balch puts out some really nice stuff — her apartment is quite inspiring, an extension of her work and aesthetic.
Podcasting Your Muse
Add the Art Institute to your list of local cultural centers with podcasts. Musecast will deliver stories and info about the museum's current and upcoming exhibits and events every six weeks.
You are interviewed
Over at Centerstage: an (anonymous) interview with the artists behind the long-running You Are Beautiful art project.
Another Chicago building in edible form
If you're hungry for more Chicago-themed gingerbread houses after seeing the Francisco Brown Line stop, feast your eyes on a gingerbread version of the Pilgrim Baptist Church, the Louis Sullivan church that suffered a fire in January. Some design notes and photos are up at the builder's blog.
Tut's final days
Don't forget, the Field Museum's King Tut exhibition closes on January 1. The show has been wildly popular, and to accommodate an expected final rush of visitors the museum will extend its visiting hours for the last two weeks of the exhibit.
FountainCam Redux
The Tribune picks up on the story of security cameras installed atop the Crown Fountain, a story that was first posted at Chicago Carless. Millennium Park director Ed Uhlir is quoted in the story as saying that the cameras are only temporary until they can install a more permanent solution next summer. UPDATE: "Millennium Park cameras removed after outcry"
Experience Quimby's from Your Computer
I don't know how many times I've been to the Quimby's site, but I'd never noticed the "live at quimby's" section until this morning. It has audio recordings from almost two-dozen events, although the one I really wanted to hear (Al Burian) is broken.
City Spits on Crown Fountain
Mike at Chicago Carless noticed that, sometime recently, the City installed security cameras on top of Crown Fountain.
In Memoriam
Chicago Bauhaus Studios master craftsman Berthold Schwaiger passed away this week. (Thanks, Brenda.)
Another National Museum
In other Pilsen news, the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum has a new name: The National Museum of Mexican Art.
WBEZ's 2007 Schedule
After much controversy, WBEZ released its 2007 schedule last month. It's important to note that music, the focus of most of the debate, was not eliminated. The Tribune provides an opinionated but informative summary.
YoChicago's Pilsen Week
YoChicago is dedicating much of this week's coverage to Pilsen, with reviews, real estate coverage, and much more. Their YouTube Pilsen playlist is especially worth checking out.
Let the Revisions Begin!
Now that Santiago Calatrava's Chicago Spire is moving closer to its groundbreaking, the project is changing.
Art in America
United States Artists, a new nonprofit arts organization, announced its first round of $50,000 fellowship awards, and two Chicagoans are on the list: Nick Cave (no, not that one, this one) and Chris Ware.
An American Home
Over at YoChicago, they posted a photo of a $1.45 million Lakeview home with an American flag engraved on the address plate ...and all hell broke loose in the comments.
Get Your Competitive Design Out DWR-style
Design Within Reach North Avenue is holding their third annual furniture competition, MODERN + DESIGN + FUNCTION: Chicago Furniture Now. So, if you think your Mid-Century Modern idealism is top notch and you have found a new way to turn heads with that sway-back chair you made, this contest is for you! Up-and-comers will be judged by a panel of 25 local Chicago architecture, art, design and fashion experts. The deadline in January, 12.
Gathered in the Agora
Edward Lifson, host of WBEZ's "Hello Beautiful," offers a wonderful play-by-play of the dedication of Magdalena Abakanovicz's Agora public sculpture in Grant Park.
Still A-Spiring
In case you've been wondering, that Calatrava-designed "spire" building proposed for the lake shore is still in development, but the name has been changed from Fordham to Chicago after the original developer bowed out. Here's the whole team as it stands now. Still no start date for construction, though.
Redevelopment Goes Both Ways
As a sort of companion piece to the NYTimes article about our city being overrun with condos, here's a story in the Wall Street Journal about the successful conversion of the old Montgomery Ward warehouse into the flourishing 600 West Chicago.
Safe as ... Condos?
The Times on the city-wide condo conversion epidemic: "Fiercely proud of both its architecture and its distinct neighborhoods, Chicago is losing entire tracts of older buildings." [via]
Hear the City
Hey, remember when we talked about our favorite sounds in the city? Well, those and many others have been recorded and shared with the world at Your Favorite Chicago Sounds. A sampling of what's they've collected is up on the site, including a great recording of the Lincoln Park Zoo's wolf pack howling along with a passing ambulance.
An Autumn Bloom
After a long wait, a new issue of Metroblossom has arrived.
70 Years of SOM
2006 marks pioneering architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill's 70th year of designing for Chicago and the rest of the world. Slate takes a look back.
Inner City Pastoral
A recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship "genius grant," Kerry James Marshall is probably the most internationally esteemed of contemporary Chicago artists. The crew of Bad at Sports was able to sit down and talk to him in front of a studio audience, and the interview is now available via the latest edition of their podcast.
The New Suburban Venue
Now that the Sears Centre is officially open, the Daily Herald offers a review of its first night in action, and the Sun Times and the Trib provide some background.
Abrupt Trump
Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin describes a phone call regarding Trump Tower -- from The Donald himself.
Theft From Local Art Gallery
If you saw the "Wonder Twin Power, Activate!" group exhibition at Gescheidle a few months ago, you might recall a small but eye-popping collage by Rob Yamabushi. The artist is a designer and collagist who lives in North Carolina, and the show was apparently Yamabushi's first time publicly exhibiting in an art gallery. Reportedly, the work was stolen from the gallery earlier this month, and gallery director Susan Gescheidle is offering a reward for its recovery or return.
DIY Holiday Cards
Hoping to stand out from the glut of generic "season's greetings" cards this holiday season? Try this: Sign up for the Chicago Center for Books & Paper's cheap papermaking class (Nov. 4 -- only $25!) and make your cards yourself!
Color Your Space for Fall
Apartment Therapy is running a fall colors interior design contest; the winners receive a CB2 shop card for up to $2500. Go check out the Midwest entries, which are also running as they come in on Chicago.ApartmentTherapy.
Get Your Spook On
This Halloween season has plenty to offer the ghoul lurking inside of you. Unusual offerings include KFAR's Spookagogue Synagogue, the Apollo Theater's Haunting History, the Six Corners Monster Film Festival, and Ursula Bielski's Creepy Chicago Hauntings. Check slowdown for additional options.
Looking Back on "American Cities"
All summer -- until Sunday, actually -- Catherine Opie's photographs were on display in one of the top-floor galleries of the MCA. Now, some of them are online, accompanied by an interview, thanks to the Morning News. [via]
Stadium ThreeWalls
This week, Bad at Sports commences a residency at West Loop gallery ThreeWalls (119 N. Peoria). Known for their irreverent podcast, the Bad at Sports team will conduct several "salons" and live interviews over the course of a month. The first, "What the heck do you mean Chicago art?," happens Friday night at 7.
Another Change in South Grant Park
It's almost time to say "goodbye" to the wooden bridge from the Roosevelt Metra station to Michigan Avenue. So break out your camera and sepia processing and take some old-time photographs this winter.
Realtor Building Sprouts Pipes
The Realtor Building, 430 N. Michigan, sprouted some fancy new pipes overnight -- anybody know what they are? Matt Maldre has a theory: it's a waterslide.
Support Collaboraction
Support this award-winning art/theatre collective by attending their October 14 gala, The Beggar's Banquet. In attendance will be stars from Gilmore Girls and Arrested Development, plus a bitchin' live auction. Buy your tickets today -- and support Collaboraction, whose offices were recently broken into and cleaned out!
Blast Theory at the MCA
Okay, so check this out. On Nov. 2-5, the MCA is sponsoring "Can You See Me Now?" by Blast Theory, a British interactive-art group. It's a chase game that happens simultaneously online and on the streets of Chicago. Players from anywhere in the world can play online in a virtual Chicago against Blast Theory chasers on the streets who use GPS and cell phone technology to guide them in tracking the players down. Totally awesome.
You Are a Beautiful Gallery Show
The You Are Beautiful public art collective's new show, "4 Years Later," opens at Ai Gallery, 676 N. LaSalle St., Friday night from 6pm to 10pm. Free stickers, posters and buttons, oh my! And if you pay close attention, you might be able to figure out who the anonymous artists are.
Stop the Body Worlds?
As the Body Worlds 2 exhibit is being prepared for Chicago in January, some opposition to the show's artistic display of human bodies has already started. A Boston man started up a Website to protest the exhibit in Boston last summer, and he's added a page for the Chicago stop of the exhibit. But as the Sun-Times reports today, the MSI received few letters of protest for the original Body Worlds, and guestbooks at the museum had many favorable reviews of the exhibit. We'll see what effect the protest has on the second Body Worlds show when it opens at the MSI on January 17.
The Omnivore's Diorama
This week's Reader profiles Rogelino Tijerina, an SAIC instructor turned rancher, who casts his livestock as models: "'some of my pieces resemble 3-D butcher's diagrams,'" he says. And, true to "food as art" form, Tijerina's also involved in restaurant Dodo on Damen, where "green thumb" options let you admire the sculpture without having to eat the inspiration.
What's the worst building in your neighborhood?
Following the Tribune's list of ugly Loop buildings, the Chicago Journal is asking for nominations for the worst buildings in your neighborhood. There's only one nomination so far, so let the archislaying begin.
Return of the artistic dead
Missed the Body Worlds exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry last year? Don't fret; Body Worlds 2 will show up at the MSI next January. The new exhibit will contain 20 plastinated human bodies, along with "200 human parts". Tickets go on sale October 2.
Brad Lynch's Real Chicago
Lee Bey -- former Sun-Times architecture critic, frequent Rearview contributor and one-time Audible City interviewee -- talks with architect Brad Lynch of Brininstool + Lynch about Chicago architecture and his favorite places in the city in the October issue of Dwell. (Thanks, Dayna!)
Walking in Chicago
With all of this walking around Chicago, why not take an idiosyncratic video stroll through the city?
Review: Massive Change At the MCA
The inventive Museum of Contemporary Art has opened a new exhibition, Massive Change, questioning the role of design in understanding (and mitigating) our use of the earth's resouces. I was glad I went, and was fascinated by what I saw as a presentation of data and design as art (such as the nifty Twike and earthquake piece). But I felt disappointed when the exhibit didn't question the elements of design that mattered, and overall found the show slightly shallow.
Admiring the Greenery
Speaking of green architecture, new blog Green Bean tracks ecologically friendly buildings in and around the city. It's written by Erik Olsen, who's the Green Projects administrator for the Chicago Department of Construction and Permits.
Street Art Exhibition in Humboldt Park
Humboldt Park gallery Reversible Eye is unveiling a mural created inside the gallery to celebrate street art. If you look carefully at street lights and viaducts, you might recognize many of the artists' works. It's one of many events at the gallery as part of its Chicago Artists month.
Ride Your Bike, Get a Friend in Free
Starting Saturday and running through the end of the year, a few simple ways to get 2-for-1 admission to the MCA: drop off your cell phone or batteries for recycling or show your bike helmet. The occasion? The museum's new exhibit, Massive Change, which examines "the future of global design" and calls for responsibility and sustainability in that design. Of course, Tuesdays are always free, but consider this an added bonus for doing what you oughtta.
Community Murals Destroyed
Speaking of Chicago Street Art, on September 7, the Higher Gliffs murals at the Metra underpass at 47th Street and Lake Park were mistakenly painted over. Among those who worked on the murals are former Art Institute Instructor Mario Gonzalez; founder of the University of Hip Hop, Lavie Raven; and youth organizer Sam Mulberry.
Chicago Street Art
That's the name of the best darn online repository of the best in Chicago Street Art. Check out this Flickr stream to get regularly updated shots of art, comments by the artists and general inspiration.
Chicago: Present at the Creation
NPR's Present at the Creation provides unique insight to some Chicago-related icons. Our fair city pops up in some obvious place like Animal House, A Raisin in the Sun , and Nighthawks, but it's also there for Cracker Jacks!
Not to Scale
Here's a nice gift for the archiecture and/or Frank Lloyd Wright fan in your life: the desktop Mile High skyscraper.
Happy Birthday, Louie!
Today is the 150th anniversary of the birth of Louis Sullivan (sesquicentennial, for big-word lovers), and groups all over Chicago are celebrating with free and ticketed tours, discussions, films, classes, and other events for the next six weeks. We highlight a lot of the good stuff in Slowdown, but click here for every last detail.
Recycled Bikes
"People Powered adopts consumer culture's aesthetic forms to distribute information about sustainable living practices such as community composting, recycling, and free public transportation." Cutting through the crap, check out the new Blue Bike program at the MCA.
A Little Architecture Break
Dayna Bateman, who took the photo you see in Rearview today, took a class with Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin this summer. Her photos from the field are lovely.
Chicago's living history
Flickr geotaggers and those viewing one recent post may have noticed that Chicago's historic neighborhoods like Little Hell and Shantytown are alive on the Internet. Other interesting locations include the Berkeley Cottages and Packingtown.
A Newer, Larger Punk Planet
Taking another step away from scissors, glue, and late night photocopying sessions, our city's very own Punk Planet has redesigned and expanded its website. Of particular note is the addition of user blogs.
Make Chicagoans Laugh
We usually just let you know when the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival is actively making people laugh, but check this out: the 2007 Festival is currently accepting applications for sketch group participation.
C. T. Art
CitizenShay's 'L' sign artwork -- details available at his website -- seems like it'd make a great gift for a transit enthusiast. Or for someone who just likes this fair city. (If the onscreen images aren't enough, see the work in person at Sacred Art, 2040 W. Roscoe Ave. Or at the Renegade Craft Fair next month. Options. So many options.)
Public Art Star
You know our current Rearview subject, the immediately iconic Cloud Gate. But, should you find yourself in New York in the next couple months, you may want to meet its conceptual cousin, Sky Mirror. Today's Times looks at sculptor Anish Kapoor's burgeoning public art career, one driven by work that viewers see as "a kind of populist gift." (The story is accompanied by a slideshow of some of Kapoor's gallery-bound work.)
The City in a Monitor
Chicago, modeled from dawn to dusk.
Chicago: Green Fashion Capital of the U.S.?
The city's recent appointment of Melissa Turner as Chicago's fashion czarina brought a challenge from treehugger: become the green fashion capital of the U.S. Designers, will you embrace the challenge?
West Side Chi-master Cycle
Ben Husmann saw this "thingy" on the platform of the Oak Park Green Line stop. No telling what it is, but he's right: it sure looks like a Matthew Barney sculpture.
Block 37 Changes Hands Again
Architecture critic Lynn Becker runs down the latest exchange of Block 37 development rights on his excellent blog.
City by the Bay to Match the City by the Lake
When it comes to urban planning and forward-thinking, San Francisco is turning to Chicago for inspiration. "When you walk the streets of Chicago, it enlivens the spirit," said SF Mayor Gavin Newsom. San Francisco environmental and architectural groups are touring the city to emulate everything from the "greening" of our rooftops to our wrought-iron gates. The two cities seem to have a give-and-take approach to architecture: a June Sun-Times story described the redesign of the North Ave. bridge as a "mini-Golden Gate."
Study Architecture at IIT for $5
The Mies van der Rohe Society is offering inexpensive architecture tours at IIT, highlighting not only Mies' work (e.g., Crown Hall and the Carr Memorial Chapel), but also the grounds (designed by Alfred Caldwell), the campus center (designed by Rem Koolhaas), and the new student residence (designed by Helmut Jahn). Click here for details about self-guided and docent-led tours.
Closing Soon: Southwestern Ceramics @ AIC
The Art Institute's Casas Grandes ceramic exhibit is worth checking out (you can stop in free tonight and tomorrow after work) before it closes Sunday. Native American ceramic objects between a few hundred and over a thousand years old are displayed and what's striking (aside from their amazingly good condition) is how modern they are: you wouldn't be surprised to see some of these designs at a local arts and crafts fair. Click here for details.
The Terra Museum (Virtually) Lives!
Those of us who miss the Terra Museum (formerly at 666 N Michigan, now the home of the temporary Motorola store) can now visit our favorite paintings online. The site also includes information about where the collection can be seen in person--part of it is still in Chicago, at the Art Institute.
Oasis: Going, Going, Almost Gone
An unusual installation at the Chicago Cultural Center is closing Sunday: a lush tropical landscape created from discarded clothes (mostly socks, as far as I can tell) and background music. The effect is irresistibly smile-inducing--certainly worth a visit before it disappears, especially if you've had a hard week and are short on smiles. Click here for details.
Drink on a Boat
This summer, Kafka Wine and Wendella Boats have been getting together for a series of Wine Tasting Cruises, which pair vino with architectural tour on Wednesdays each month. The next one is August 23 at 5:45pm. Tickets are $50 and reservations are required. [via]
500 Corpses
An Exquisite Corpse, the locally based collaborative art project site created by friend of GB Phineas X. Jones (and run on a CMS by GB MVP Jim Allenspach), posted the 500th corpse since its relaunch today. (It's technically the 627th corpse if you count from the beginning of the site, but why do that?)
Millennium Park--Cheap for the Price
Haven't heard that one before? In today's Times review of Timothy J. Gilfoyle's new history of Millennium Park, critic Michael J. Lewis favorably compares its cost and speed of execution to New York's efforts to erect a memorial at Ground Zero. "Starting from scratch, Chicago has turned a wasteland into America's most dazzling urban park."
The Journey is the Destination
If you're yearning for some travel (video), check out YouTube user Srovetz's atmospheric videos documenting his train and car travel throughout the country. There are too many Chicago related videos to post here, but some train segments include Kansas City to Chicago, Chicago to New Orleans, and Chicago to New York.
Learning about Louis Sullivan
If you love old Chicago buildings, then you probably know this year marks Louis Sullivan's 150th birthday. In honor of this important sesquicentennial, the Chicago Architecture Foundation is offering a four-session course on botanical motifs in Sullivan's work in September. Click here for more information on this and other Sullivan programs coming soon.
It's First Friday, With Even Less Clothing
Put away those stiletto boots and that too-hot-for-August ultrasuede miniskirt: the MCA presents a water-themed First Friday. Featuring a bathing suit fashion show and "skinny dip" martinis, the event was inspired by WaterShed, an interactive sculpture designed by students at the Art Institute that flashes and emits ambient sounds when you ask it for some agua. See Slowdown for details.
"Brash and Nonchalant At Once"
Sunday's San Francisco Chronicle ran a travel article that describes Chicago as "the one American city where architecture lovers can indulge ourselves with abandon and never feel jaded." The text is fine, and even locals might find the the run-down of ten important structures useful for planning a leisurely Saturday afternoon. But, to tour without leaving your desk, there's a multimedia slideshow that, after taking in Millennium Park etc., peeks inside some of the buildings you may no longer notice as you rush to get to work on time.
More Midwestern Pride
Meet another website devoted to the wonders of the Midwest: Midwestern Goodness. While they have content from around the region, they recently filmed a short video tour in Chicago. More Chicago content is in the works.
Out with "Handsome," In with "Modern"
When it comes to sprucing up old homes, there are two basic routes: reno or demo. In Lincoln Park, Jim Perry and Molly Perry picked the latter and chose to rebuild on their newly empty lot. That happens all over the city, all the time. But how often do you get to peek inside?
Do it for the Skyscrapers, Man!
Speaking of the Architecture Foundation, it's looking for volunteers. The Docent Education Program will host two open houses next month in preparation for the docent class of 2007. The commitment's not insignificant -- 11 weeks of class and homework -- but you'll be able to majorly impress your friends once you've finished. (Or, at least, your relatives visiting from out of town.)
I'll See Your 33 and Raise You 24
If you take the Chicago Architecture Foundation's river tour, you learn the Blue Cross-Blue Shield Tower at 300 E. Randolph was built to grow. The 33-story structure was designed to accommodate upward expansion, and apparently the time for that expansion has come: with construction set to start next year, look for another 24 stories by the end of the decade.
Ugly Buildings Make Us Sad
The Trib updated their list of ugly Loop buildings today, including such gems as the Beef 'n Brandy and the Thompson Center. Got a suggestion for their list? Submit it using the form at the end of the article.
Show WLUW some LUV
Remember when you donated items to independent community radio station WLUW in June? Well, those items are now for sale to raise money for the station. Some particularly interesting finds are an autographed Mekons guitar, a drawing by Archer Prewitt, and a Fugazi/Shellac/The Ex ticket printing plate.
Become the Media
Do you dream about sitting side-by-side with Edward Lifson or "identifying and researching mid-level and major donor prospects"? If so, become a Chicago Public Radio intern! WBEZ extended its fall deadline, but you don't have much time: applications are due on the 28th.
More Concrete Lakeshore?
A concrete model for three North Side lakefront revetments is inexplicably hiding on the South Side (second article). Since most North Siders probably won't make it to Oakwood Boulevard and Lake Shore Drive this week, take a look at the model online, and decide if you prefer the current limestone or the proposed concrete. If you want to share your opinion with the powers that be, follow the instructions from the Lakeview Revetment Task Force, and get your letter in by the 26th.
The [insert name here] Spire
After developer Christopher Carley missed a deadline earlier this week to buy the land on which he'd proposed building the Fordham Spire, Irish developer Garrett Kelleher swept in and bought it himself for $64M. This appears to be the first US project for Kelleher's Shelbourne Development group, although he lived in Chicago during the '80s and '90s. Given that Fordham is the name of Carley's company, it's not clear what the Santiago Calatrava-designed building will be called once (if?) it breaks ground in the spring. For now, at least, the spot is known by its address: 400 N. Lake Shore Drive.
Not Your Father's Stockyard
Inside Higher Education profiles DePaul's Jim Duignan in his quest to bring art to kids in Chicago's urban neighborhoods. In addition to making his own work, Duignan's Stockyard Project has been contributing to the development of young artists for the past 10 years.
Pedestrian Perfect or Perfectly Pedestrian?
While the White City may have been successful as a spectacular public space, Steve Rhodes argues Millennium Park isn't. Calling it "postcard pablum," Rhodes can only muster enthusiasm for Anish Kapoor's "Cloud Gate" (enthusiasm, yes; respect, no -- despite its name, for Rhodes, it's only "the Bean"). Other opinions at the Beachwood Reporter are more generous, one being especially notable for its employment of a neologism never before seen by Google: "methamphetamodernism."
Midway Magic, Then and Now
Erik Larson's perennial best-seller, The Devil in the White City, has done much to resurrect interest in the 1893 World's Fair, but the event has fascinated the public ever since it came and went in a season. In today's paper, Sun-Times art & architecture critic Kevin Nance talks to Larson, author Chris Ware, historian Tim Samuelson and others about why it continues to capture our imagination. Relive the magic with an under-construction visual simulation model being developed at UCLA, and if you've not read Larson's creative non-fiction, the GB Book Club will be tackling it in September.
Beloit Does It Again
I have such respect for Wisconsin. The creative people in Beloit have recreated the Art Institute's famous "Sunday in the Park" in real life, posing by the Rock River (presumably on a Sunday). While the classic "American Gothic" has been redone countless times, I don't think Nighthawks has. Anyone out there care to give it a try?
Thinking Allowed in Chicago
In 2002, BBC Radio 4's Thinking Allowed visited Chicago to do a five-part series about the city in the spirit of early Chicago School sociologists. With interviews from prominent Chicago academics, musicians, and public thinkers, the programs are surprisingly fresh four years later.
Hey, is that building a landmark?
The city's Landmarks Division has prepared interactive Chicago Landmarks Maps that include photographs and important information about officially notable places. While you're on their website, check out their comprehensive Historic Resources Survey and other fascinating resources.
Just Don't Stick 'Em in Your Bike Spokes
For all of you folk fanatics and alt country fans, new at Quimby's this week is Pioneers of Country Music, a set of 40 trading cards illustrated by R. Crumb. Brief bios on the back of each card give the histories of Gid Tanner and his Skillet Lickers, Uncle Dan Macon and His Fruit-Jar Drinkers, Al Hopkins and his Buckle Busters and other whimsically named bands. Two earlier series, Early Jazz Greats and Heroes of the Blues, also feature art by R. Crumb.
Need more Tut?
If the Field Museum's Tutankhamun exhibit piqued your interest, head to the Oriental Institute's dual exhibitions of artifacts from the Tut era and Harry Burton's photographs of the Tutankhamun expedition. If you have an mp3 player, don't forget to download the podcast ahead of time.
Behind the Buildings: David Woodhouse
David Woodhouse Architects has a spiffy new site detailing many of the architectural projects that have come out of the studio. Based in Chicago, they're the creatives behind quite a few of the Chicago Institutions you enjoy today. Take a look at the site, meander the buildings and find out the inspiration behind each.
While You're in Hyde Park...
Since you're heading to the Hyde Park Art Center to check out all of their cool exhibits, why not make a day of it? After taking in Africa Speaks, an exhibit of African art and artifacts at the DuSable Museum, cross the quads and grab a latte at the Smart Museum's sleek cafe. If you like contemporary art, a side trip to the Renaissance Society might be nice. Otherwise, a stop at 57th Street Books for some leisurely browsing, and lunch at neighboring Medici, will refresh you in between museum visits.
Hyde Park Arts Center
Have you been to the recently redone Hyde Park Arts Center yet? If not, you should really check out all the awesome exhibits they're hosting -- including a photographic look at the rockabilly subculture by Jennifer Greenburg, and interactive digital exhibits. it's located at 5020 S. Cornell and is open seven days a week. Oh, let's all go together!
Cartopia 2006 photos
You know those cars with the crazy springs or dolls glued all over them? Well, reader Lotta writes in about her heading out to Cartopia 2006, held in Berwyn, last week where she took photos of all kinds of cars just like that.
The Splat Flats
Wicker Park has a relatively new (well, new to me anyway) studio space with 28 resident artists: The Splat Flats. If you're curious about the space or would like to check out some of the work being produced, get down there this Saturday, June 24th from 4-9pm when The Splat Flats have an open house show called LumbArt.
1920s El Posters
There's a stunning set of poster ads commisioned by the Chicago Rapid Transit Company from the 1920s that aimed to encourage people to use public transport over at Chicago "L".org. Those were the days. [Hat tip: April]
Hubwear: ORD > ?
Friend of GB, George Aye has just unleashed his latest idea which I find frickin' cool. It's called Hubwear. Hubwear are t-shirts with airport codes printed on them: the front is first part of the trip while the back is your return leg of the journey.
It Takes Two to Tiki
DvA Gallery turns two this weekend, and they're celebrating with a tiki party tomorrow starting at 4pm. There'll be surf music by the Cocktail Preachers, hula dancers, free cocktails and apps and more. The party doubles as the opening for a show of tiki art that'll run through July 9.
Break Up Art Burglarized
Having art featured in the movie The Break-Up has been a mixed blessing for Francine Turk. On one hand, she's gotten more interest from art patrons. On the other, she's gotten more interest from thieves, who stole 10 paintings worth $35,000 from her South Loop gallery.
Kama Sew-tra
Currently at the Carl Hammer Gallery on N. Wells, Orly Cogan's embroidered exploration of female sexuality (images kinda NSFW in a porn-toonish way). [via]
Podcast as Docent
An interesting addition to the MCA's new Wolfgang Tillmans photography exhibit is a series of podcasts you can download (and bring with you) to use while viewing the exhibit. Rather than renting one of those extra long phone dohickies, you can get the skinny on each piece from the artist himself in an interview conducted in the exhibit space. Scroll down here for all the information.
Green Furniture at DWR
Go to everyone's favorite furniture lust spot, Design Within Reach at 10 East Ohio, to check out the latest in green design. A dude from Herman Miller's Design for Environment Program will present and SAIC students will show their latest green design projects. Oh, yeah, and there's snacks and beverages! RSVP at tree[at]dwr.com by June 9. The event is from 6 to 8 p.m. on June 12.
AIC's Blue Period
Starting tonight, the Art Institute offers live music as well as free admission on Thursday and Friday evenings. If you're heading to the Blues Festival, you might want to stop at AIC first to get in the mood. The museum is hosting multiple blues bands and offering blue-themed gallery tours. Slowdown has details.
Making Media Connections
The Community Media Workshop here in Chicago is holding a conference tomorrow and Thursday called "Making Media Connections". As they put it: "Join community leaders, nonprofit communicators and board members, mainstream and independent journalists, publishers, media experts and the general public to discuss getting our communities' important stories told." GB staffer and ChicagoBloggers curator, Brian Sobolak and myself will be joining Steve Rhodes of The Beachwood Reporter on Thursday from 1:45-245pm on Thursday, the only day left for registration at the door. We'll be discussing "Emerging Online News Outlets" but there are plenty of other events and discussions going on to pique your interest.
Chris Ware Again
A writer for The Chicago Maroon, the student newspaper of the University of Chicago, talks about how "the exhibition of the works of Chris Ware, running at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) until August 27, reflects the current confusion in the debate over comics' place in the art world — as well as why such a debate is worth having."
"They Put Up the Faceless New"
Interesting meditation on the politics of architecture in the American Daily, a conservative weblog. (Apparently the Democrats are to blame for artless design.)
More Questions about Buildings (Not Food)
Chicagoist asks, "What's your favorite building downtown and why?" Call it Fuel redux.
Gold Conservation Coast
Sustainable condos are coming to the Gold Coast in the form of the Culver House, designed by Dirk Denison Architects. It's not just beautiful, it's good for the environment. [via]
We Dedicate This Bean...
Hopefully this is the last post about Cloud Gate in the news for awhile: the dedication ceremony that was supposed to happen two weeks ago is happening today at 11am. "Hello, Beautiful" host Edward Lifson has some thoughts on the matter on his blog.
Be Like Tom (Hanks, that is)
The Da Vinci Code has readers -- and, soon, film-goers -- intrigued about potentially hidden allegorical meanings behind the art. In that spirit, Kevin Nance runs down a few mysteries of the unexplained at the Art Institute.
Kenilworth in Danger
It's hard to imagine Chicagoland's wealthiest suburb as in any way "endangered," but the National Trust for Historic Preservation included the entire town on its list of of the 11 most endangered places for 2006 due to pressure from developers who want to tear down historically significant homes to build new McMansions. Learn more about why Kenilworth Matters.
Acme Library of Contemporary Art
An exhibit of graphic novelist Chris Ware's work opened last weekend at the MCA; here's a brief interview with Ware, discussing his process and inspirations. Head to the MCA tonight at 6pm to hear Daniel Raeburn, author of a monograph on Ware, provide even more insight into the artist's mind.
Know Any Artists?
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs is accepting applications for artist programs for the 11th annual Chicago Artists' Month, scheduled for October 2006. Benefits include loads of free publicity and large audiences. Programs should be designed around this year's theme, Beyond Boundaries (how artists overcome restrictions and expand their horizons). If you want to participate, think fast and fill out the form here by 15 May.
First Friday, Once Again
"Decadence is the theme at the next First Fridays." A good reason to go, no? And then there's vodka, Chicago fashion, chocolate too. And if that isn't for you, there's the Hip-Hop Theater Festival at the MCA, too.
Art Cars in Berwyn
If you've been out to the burbs lately, you've probably noticed that many have started a special night where residents can show off their antique autos for everyone's enjoyment. Berwyn is taking that and putting a little twist on it: Art Cars. Long a feature of the famous BurningMan Festival, this art car gathering in Berwyn will definitely be a lot different than your standard hot-rod fare. (And not to be snarky, but who knew there was a Berwyn Arts Council?!?
Millennium Park booked
Make sure to mark your calendar: the Sun-Times reports that Allstate Insurance is paying to close off portions of Millennium Park for a private shindig on Monday, August 7. The Crown Fountain will remain open to the public, and The Bean will remain open to the public until 4pm. In exchange for getting to rent out the public park, Allstate is also kicking in $500,000 for some free concerts at the park this summer, which will include the Gospel Music Festival and a performance by cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
Show Them Your Idea
This Thursday, I Have An Idea is hosting its fourth annual Portfolio Night, an opportunity for those who hope to get into the advertising industry to show off their work to top creative folk in the field. Could be your chance of a lifetime, but you gotta pay to play: tickets are $35.
Pilsen Art Walk
Now that the weather is seemingly coming round again, I'll take this opportunity to urge folks to check out Second Fridays in Pilsen. Dubbed the "Pilsen Art Walk", one can walk around the Pilsen area (18th and Halsted and the surrounding streets) to check out the many independent galleries showcasing up and coming artists and their latest work. It's a great cheap way to see art of varying styles and quality and enjoy an area you might not check out regularly. An opening I know will be good: regular GB photo contributor Archie FlorCruz has an opening for his works culled from his popular Whateverland photoblog at Mode Realty from 6-10pm at 818 18th Street, on this month's second Friday, the 12th.
1st Annual American Craft Festival
Speaking of festivals, if your a bungalow owner or enthusiast, you might enjoy the upcoming Arts and Crafts Festival in River Forest. No, not popsicle stick ornaments arts and crafts, but the American Arts And Crafts movement from 1890 - 1920 (wikipedia link). And it's happened the second weekend in May, and if you can't wait for then for your bungalow fix, the Historical Chicago Bungalow Association has a lecture this week and next on restoring your bungalow, as well as bus tours for a "best of" tour, too.
Great Chicago Places and Spaces: Tickets Available Now
If architecture is one of the things you love most about Chicago, then this is your festival. And if you believe Louis Sullivan is responsible for the best of Chicago architecture, then this is not just your festival, but your year, as the Great Chicago Places and Spaces festival celebrates the sesquicentennial (that's 150th anniversary -- maybe you knew that, but I had to look it up) of Sullivan's birth. The festival opens on Friday 19 May with a "great conversation" featuring Jaime Lerner, former mayor of Curitiba, Brazil, one of the most progressive cities in the world, and continues with two days of guided tours. Tours are free, but require tickets. Depending on the tour, you may need to line up at the Chicago Architecture Foundation on the day of your tour to get your tickets, but for "Great Excursions" (which include Chicago River cruises), you can register here starting today. Complete tour details are available here -- note that items in blue are Sullivan-centric.
Loop de Looper
Looper is a "quasi-daily architectural photoblog generally focused in and around the Loop;" if only we could all proselytize so well about our urban environment. Read and be inspired.
So You're Staying Up for HPAC's 36-Hour Opening
After sampling scenes from Caffeine Theatre's repertory, free coffee gets you through Stage Left's late night symposium on political theater. By midnight, you've switched to booze and hit the dance floor, taking a break at 2am to try ceramics with a less-than-steady hand. The next morning, Industry of the Ordinary serves up pancakes, helping you get over your hangover. Are you imagining things or is your breakfast telling you that it loves you? At the 34-hour mark, the pancake cooks mount an expedition to climb the chimney. They hoist a flag and you cheer, shortly before passing out. See Slowdown for details on Hyde Park Art Center's opening event.
Mart Chicago
Art Chicago has found a home for its wayward exhibition: The Merchandise Mart. Many of the galleries that were scheduled to exhibit have pulled out, though, shrinking this year's show to around 100 galleries, and they'll be competing for attention in the Mart with the Chicago Antiques Fair, also going on this weekend -- although that could turn out to be beneficial for both shows.
Have it Any Way You Like
Art Chicago may have moved out of the park, but with the Nova Art Fair opening and the Version festival ongoing this weekend, there's no shortage of cool work to check out. This weekend you can see art raw in a converted warehouse in Bridgeport, or at Belmont on the train. You can see it in a bar, or in the suites of a hotel. You can even see it all night long.
Donors needed
Sacred Art, a new gallery/store in Roscoe Village that sells artwork and crafts from local artists, is planning to have a blood drive on Saturday, May 6, but it needs a few more people to sign up for the event before Lifesource will even show up! If you were thinking of donating blood in the near future, please check out the event details (which include discounts at plenty of Roscoe Village businesses for donors) in Slowdown.
No Art in Chicago?
Art Chicago in the Park, the annual contemporary art fair that was scheduled to open this weekend in Grant Park, may not be happening. The Tribune reports that all work has apparently ceased at the fair's site. Art dealers are waiting to hear what's going on with the event, but prospects are apparently not good.
Soldier Field loses landmark status
Those of you who have been thinking that the 2003 renovations to Soldier Field were a bad idea are now vindicated: the building has lost its status as a National Historic Landmark because of the additions.
What time is it?
Another Marshall Field's battle is brewing, but in this one the store's current owner (Federated Department Stores, the company that's changing the store's name) is playing the good guy. They're asking the store's former owner, Target Corporation, to return a Norman Rockwell painting of the State Street store's clock, which used to hang in the store until it was replaced by a copy and then disappeared a few months ago. There's been no response from Target yet; perhaps they're mass-producing copies of the painting to sell in Target stores nationwide?
Art Institute No Longer Free
You know how the Art Institute has those signs at the door that say admission is a suggested donation of $12 adults? Well, they're scratching out the "suggested donation" part. Starting June 3, that $12 will be mandatory. Free Tuesdays are also gone, but they'll be replaced with free admission on Thursday evenings and Friday evenings from 5pm to 9pm in the summer. (Thanks, Jaime!)
Bean there, done that
The Bean is done. Workers have finally finished the task of sanding down the seams of the stainless steel sculpture, which was unveiled two years ago but has recently been under wraps while it was finished. So... take some more pictures!
Sleeping on the Ceiling
The Snow City Arts Foundation provides arts education to hospitalized children seven days a week. Tomorrow night, "Sleeping on the Ceiling," a multimedia installation by over 300 children participating in creative writing, music, and visual arts workshops, opens at ARC Gallery. The exhibit, which runs until April 30, features six life-size rooms that explore the intersection of fantasy and reality in the hospitalized child's journey from departure to return.
15 Minutes = My Attention Span
Andy Warhol shot films that capture everyday activities like sleeping, eating, and looking pretty. Are the results slow paced and boring or titilating and arty? You be the judge. See them tonight at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
CTA in Hyper-reality
Apparently, this image of the Damen Blue Line station is not a photograph; rather, it's a "photo-realist painting" that took 2000 hours and 50 Photoshop files. Wow.
Tiny Little Apartments
Interior design blog Apartment Therapy is running a "smallest coolest apartment" contest. There are only a couple in there from Chicago, but one of the strongest contenders is this one, a 476 sq. ft. "urban guest house."
Assorted Architecture News, vol #312
More people are moving downtown, and the housing for them is coming too: today sees plans for another very tall building going up downtown. Studio Gang is building an 83-story building east of downtown, not far from the often discussed Fordham Tower (which was approved, btw). The new building's name: Aqua. In other architecture news, if you're wondering what that building is by Old Orchard on the Edens, you can view the website. It's another development by Optima, who develed many of the futuristic looking towers in downtown Evanston.
Latitude and Longitude
• 41°54' N, 87°39' W: the latitude and longitude of Chicago.
• 4187° Chicago Architecture: a beautiful Flash rendering of downtown and several important skyscrapers and buildings, designed by a student at the University of Memphis.
65 Stories by Spring '09
Even as ground has yet to be broken, Fordham Spire development plans are old news. Especially now that there's the Mandarin Oriental Tower to talk about.
Make Like Warhol and Print
In conjunction with the upcoming Supernova exhibit, which opens March 18, MCA is offering a course in printmaking techniques called “Warhol’s Method.” Bonus: three of the eight sessions will be held at Chicago Printmakers’ Collaborative.
A Moholy Styled Skyline
If, sometime in the next few months, you find yourself in London and hankering for a taste of home, a stop in at the Tate Modern might be just the cure for what ails you. The museum will open an exhibition later this week that focuses on the Bauhaus aesthetic and its place in "the New World." And, as Mark Hudson writes in the Telegraph, if the Bauhaus took root anywhere in America, it was in Chicago.
Your Daly Art Fix
Mat Daly, whose art can be found on gig posters as well as in galleries, has a new site up, full of beautiful Daly-made stuff you can buy. You might recognize Daly's work from the Renegade Craft Fair posters with their sly owl and simply elegant color designs, or you might know his work with The Bird Machine. Any way you look at it, his work is lovely.
Chicago Design Archive
Created by the Society of Typographic Arts (founded here in Chicago in 1927) the Chicago Design Archive, is a massive catalog of more than a century of work from hundreds of Chicago area designers.
Speaking of Architecture...
The Chicago Architecture Club announces the finalists its 2006 Burnham Prize competition, "Learning from North Lawndale," tonight at the Homan Square Community Center, 3517 W. Arthington, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. It's free.
Preserving the City's Architecture
The Illinois Landmarks Council announced its annual 10 Most Endangered Historical Places list, and there are three Chicago locations on it: the Pickford Theater Building, the religious structures of Douglas Boulevard and Westinghouse High School — the recently burned Pilgrim Baptist Church was made a special 11th pick to highlight the need for reconstruction. And there's good news and bad news from Preservation Chicago's 2006 "Chicago Seven" most threatened buildings list: the Pilsen neighborhood has received state historical landmark status, while the Hayes-Healy Center (PDF) at DePaul succumbed to the CTA's Brown Line expansion project.
Off the Runway, Into the Museum
If you have the sort of schedule that allows for midday visits to the Art Institute, the Chic Reflections lunchtime lecture series on "fashion & modernity" sure sounds fascinating. (The 411: starts next Friday, runs weekly for a month; features scholars from the Chicago Historical Society, the AIC and its school; single tickets also available; call 312/443-3680 for more.)
Likes to Hear Other Sounds
London sound artist Peter Cusack is visiting Chicago in mid-March to work on his upcoming album, Your Favourite Chicago Sounds, which will feature, well, exactly what it sounds like it'd feature. Jesse Seay of the podcast Likes to Do Other Things is assisting Cusack by collecting people's favorite city sounds, and we're giving a hand, too; email her at likestodootherthings@gmail.com or list it in Fuel.
Chicago Architecture Tours: spring schedule
Add this to your to-do list for 50 degree or above weather (like, say, today): Chicago Architecture Tours. Bike, bus, on foot, in English, French, and sometimes Italian. Neighborhood tours also available. Check it out [PDF].
Onward and Upward
Architecture critic Blair Kamin marks the emergence of the Trump Tower on the banks of the River and offers a bit of background on why it won't be finished for another few years. Meanwhile, the Tribune helps you to check out the slow but steady progress with a webcam that looks out on to the construction site.
Eye Candy Roundup
Some sight-seeing for the middle of the week:
• ghostco. - gorgeous illustration
• Spike Press - currently on display @ Gold Star
• K. Judge - scratchboard and charcoal
• NOTIFBUTWHEN - new work at an old favorite
Around the Coyote Winter Preview
Chicago Living Arts provides us with video, images and audio previews of the upcoming Around the Coyote Winter Arts Festival 2006.
Art is for lovers
Valentine's Day occurs one week from today, and since Tuesday is the free day at the Art Institute, why not take the "Loves Me, Loves Me Not" self-guided tour (PDF link) through the museum's collection, for a look at the true ingredients of romance in art: "passion, devotion, treachery, tears." Also happening at the Art Institute this week: a new exhibit opening on Saturday titled "Girodet: Romantic Rebel" featuring more than 100 works by the 18th century French painter; and a prix-fixe menu at the museum's Garden Restaurant in honor of the romantic holiday.
Cherry Tree Lane, Chicago
Last fall, Tammy Green began spotting Mary Poppins graffiti around her neighborhood. She briefly speculated that they were related to the Music Box's sing-along screening of the film, but, while that's come and gone, the images persist and, it seems, multiply. Like any good netizen, she's posted photographic evidence on Flickr, wondering "what the heck is up" with the stencilled, umbrella-borne nanny. If you've got the scoop, let us know, too.
Marina City Revealed
"Everything you always wanted to know about 300 N. State Street, Chicago, IL, but didn't know whom to ask." [via]
"Playful Irony & Poetic Metaphor"
If you love irony & metaphor, or you just like wood carvings, the Chicago Cultural Center is featuring the work of Los Carpinteros. The Cuban threesome was dubbed as so because they primarily work with wood, but the exhibit features drawings, prints, etc. and the price is right...free.
"Off the Beaten Path" Posters, Free!
We like free stuff (for the most part), but these "Off the Beaten Path" posters are wicked cool. Brought to you from Enjoy Illinois, go get one. [Thanks Atul!]
Hello Teatro!
Would you look at that: Edward Lifson, host of WBEZ's Hello Beautiful!, has begun a blog.
For Your Bookshelf Consideration
The current Atlantic Monthly runs a glowing review of the second edition of Jay Pridmore and George A. Larson's Chicago Architecture and Design, calling it "thoroughly revised and greatly expanded" and "by far the best introduction for the general reader." (For more Chicago-related non-fiction, check out GB librarian Alice Maggio's year in review.)
Version Fest Is Coming!
Version>06, a festival that "examines the activities of local configurations and external networks that use visual and conceptual art strategies, innovative social practices, creative uses of new technologies, organizing strategies, emerging activist/artist initiatives, campaigns, public interventions and DIY projects," is looking for submissions. Their website has the submission form if you want to contribute. (Note: besides the utter BS in the description, this is actually a cool event.)
Miesian Architecture, Reichian Music
Shots of the Mies van der Rohe's Crown Hall at the IIT set to a soundtrack of Steve Reich: hypnotizing, eh?
10 Chicago sights to see
In yesterday's Tribune they ran a profile of tour guide Bill Hinchliff, the kind of tour guide you always hope to find who's been doing the job for decades and knows all the secret places in Chicago that nobody ever goes. Fortunately for the rest of us, the article includes a list of 10 historic locations to check out.
An Interview with CAR's Barbara Koenen
We've mentioned the Chicago Artists Resource before. We've mentioned the Bad at Sports podcast before. We've even mentioned Barbara Koenen of the city's department of Cultural Affairs before (talked to her ourselves!). But have we mentioned all three at once? Well, by golly, I guess we have now.
The End of the Spacemen
We also heard from ARD, the artist behind "Our Fallen Spacemen." He lets us know that, Wednesday at 12:50am, the project was completed: after eight months, he installed poster number 360, making 15 for each of the 24 fallen spacefolk. We also hear that preparation for ARD's next work is underway; it will appear, not on the CTA, but in "four of Chicago's neighborhoods with lesser-known namesakes."
Anonymous Art
An oldy but a goody, and it ties in (sort of) to the current Fuel question: "The Lakefront: Chicago's Anonymous Gallery" catalogs the carvings and paintings along the city's breakwalls.
Beautiful Construction
GB reader emyduck got some great shots of the latest You Are Beautiful installation: the construction barriers surrounding Block 37.
Six-Flat Therapy
New York's Apartment Therapy is expanding: they're launching a Chicago version of the site (along with one in San Francisco; they already have one in LA) to talk about local architecture and interior design. They're looking for an editor with both blogging and ID experience. And hey, it's a paid position! (Thanks, Aaron, and congratulations!)
Developing the Future Literary Gangs of Chicago
Poet Cassie Sparkman hosts the reading series, Literary Gangs of Chicago, every third Tuesday. During the daytime, Sparkman teaches weekly poetry classes through The Poetry Center of Chicago's Hands on Stanzas program to over 170 students at Christian Ebinger School in Edison Park. Last week, Sparkman installed her students' "Poetry + Photos Project" featuring student poems in response to images by photographers Krista Peel and Johnny Knight.
Archinect Schoolblogs
Architecture and design site Archinect is doing another year of their School Blog project (which started last year) by featuring more students in architecture programs at universities and colleges worldwide. This year, there are five Illinois area students blogging about life at architecture school: Tom Denney, Zachary White and Seth Ellsworth at IIT and Angana Shah and Paulina at UIC.
Bronzeville Landmark Burns
Sad but true: Just received word that the Pilgrim Baptist Church in Bronzeville has suffered a great fire. (Pilgrim Baptist was built by Sullivan and Adler, and was important to Chicago's gospel music history.)
Jay Ryan, profiled
Screenprinting legend Jay Ryan has a nice profile in the Sun-Times today. We featured Ryan in 2004 in The Audible City.
Let's Paint The Town
Artists, here's your chance to be seen. The CTA Arts In Transit program is seeking artists to submit qualifications for commissions of permanent public works of art to be displayed at a number of CTA stations (8 Red line stations and 18 Brown line stations). The deadline for submissions is January 20th, 2006. More info available here. A peek at the final station designs can be viewed at CTA's web site.
See Santana Now
No, not the band. Painter Enrique Romero Santana, formerly of Madrid, Spain, has lived in Chicago since 1991, and the paintings now on display at the Chicago Cultural Center are among the achievements of his time here. A companion exhibit is on display at the Instituto Cervantes. Santana’s realistic Chicago streetscapes and gorgeous studies of light hitting Lake Michigan should not be missed. So don’t miss them. (Both exhibits end in mid-January.)
Happy Holidays from Bridge/Nova
This year the editors at Bridge/Nova announced the first ever BRIDGE/NOVA EBAY BENEFIT MINI-AUCTION. In addition to work by Chicago artists like Allison Ruttan and Michael Workman, bid on "Shoebox Art Collections" (archival boxes with over 100 small works, in numbered editions of 100). Yesterday the auctions went from "Buy-it-now" to live status. Check out the items tomorrow night at Nova Lounge during the opening of Krista Peel's 2006 Calendar Show (see Slowdown). Happy bidding.
Feminism Meets Domesticity
GB's own Cinnamon Cooper graces the front page of WomanNews in the Tribune today. Read the full article to find out how local craft artists such as Cooper are "making a statement against sweatshop labor and mass production" through the appreciation of doing things by hand.
Our Fallen Spacemen on the Silver Screen
If you love the "Our Fallen Spacemen" art that can be found from time to time on Brown Line trains, you'll also want to keep an eye on the screening calendar at the Split Pillow Chicago 360 Series at Chicago Filmmakers. It seems a documentary about the project is in the works, and will be showing there in the spring.
You Are Year In Review
As we mentioned earlier this week, You Are Beautiful has been up to some nifty stuff. Incidentally, we just got word that they've now put up a page detailing what they got up in 2005. Check it out.
Our Fallen Spacemen
Speaking of public art installations, have you spotted these posters on Brown Line trains over the past six months or so? There have been multiple sightings of these works, signed ARD, on trains, as well as a series titled "Our Lesser Known Presidents" and perhaps some involving wordplay. If you're the artist, let us know the deal and email inbox{at}gapersblock.com.
We Are Beautiful
The folks behind You Are Beautiful (you know, the numerous stickers all over the city) have been evolving their work constantly. Currently it seems they're moving toward a more open and loose collaboration aesthetic — allowing the audience to participate more and more. Take a look at some of the stuff they've been doing this year, which is of course, beautiful.
I'll Tumble For Ya
Chicago Public Radio recently completed its pledge drive, but we wanted to point out the great set of This American Life-themed tumblers illustrated by Chicago area cartoonist Paul Hornschemeier. If you are a fan of his work, you should definitely pick these up, all while supporting a great cause. Also, look for this weekend's Life Weekend magazine insert in the Chicago Tribune for a Thanksgiving-themed article and illustrations by Hornschemeier.
Blow it out your Glass
Chicago Hot Glass, a glass blowing studio located in Humboldt Park, has a new series of classes starting in the coming weeks, which would make a great gift for the crafty loved one in your life. Classes range from glass blowing to glass fusing for artisans of all learning levels. Also, every Thursday they feature Jazz music and glass blowing demonstrations, and are open to the public every day from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Bad at Sports. Good at Art.
Art scene dish on the latest Bad at Sports Podcast includes an interview with Oak Park artist, critic, gallerist, teacher and writer Michelle Grabner and reviews of so many local shows that I lost count. In other words, Just Tune In.
Patrons of the Year Named
Recently we told you that Preservation Chicago had identified the city’s seven most endangered significant buildings and places. On a more hopeful note, at least interesting structures are still being built. The Chicago Architecture Foundation has just announced its Patrons of the Year for 2005. These awards honor the “individuals or organizations that have fostered the creation of innovative architecture in Chicago.”
Lampo and the Audible Arts
Looking to expand your musical horizons beyond mainstream song structures and into new forms of music? If so, you might be interested in Lampo, a local presenter of "experimental music and intermedia events" that brings in a global set of sound-artists for monthly performances. This weekend Berlin-based artist Stephan Mathieu will be performaing "Radioland", a suite of computer-processed live AM radio, accompanied by a fast, random video flicker of 256 colors. So if you don't mind loud sounds, not so comfy chairs, and a limited color palette, you may be interested in what Slowdown has to say.
High-Minded Podcasts
Podcasts aren't just for wannabe DJs. There are also a number of 'casts about literature and the arts. Check out the Bat Segundo Show and Likes to Do Other Things, for a start.
Design And The Art Institute
Architecturally, it's interesting to consider what kind of "conversation" the new Art Institute expansion will have with its neighbor, Millenium Park. The new curator of architecture and design at artic, Joseph Rosa, discusses this question (sort of) and outlines his plans for an expanded design department at Art Insitute. (And if you like urban design, Metropolis Magazine should be purchased to be truly experienced. It's lucious and lovely. Even though most of the ads are for floor tile, it's a great read.)
Join the Ranks
The Phalanx Artist Network, a new group hoping to energize and organize Chicago's arts and entertainment scene, is throwing an introductory party at Smartbar, 3730 N. Clark St., Sunday night from 8pm to 10pm. Join them for drink specials at the bar, free apps, music -- and some discussion of how to make Chicago a force to be reckoned with in film, theatre, arts and entertainment. Tickets are $12 in advance. 21 and over.
Endangered Architecture
Preservation Chicago has released its annual list of the city's seven most endangered architectural elements, and the big surprise is the inclusion of an entire neighborhood. Pilsen as we know it is in danger due to UIC's south campus expansion and the general condo boom. Listen here (RAM) to Preservation Chicago's Jonathan Fine run down the list on Wednesday's Eight Forty-Eight.
Come to Mecca, Little Ones
If you are a fan of the incredible, awesome stationery store Paper Source, then you've got to hightail it to a holiday cardmaking demonstration this November. Check out their site to find workshops this weekend and Thanksgiving weekend.
River North Case Study
An interesting new construction in River North caught my eye the other day: 156 West Superior is a boldly modern condo midrise whose facade is defined by its beautifully exposed structural frame, metal screen walls, and a sheer glass curtain that opens the units to the outside world. The building was designed by award-winning Seattle-based architects Miller-Hull, who are bringing their unique contemporary aesthetic to Chicago for the first time. Certainly a commendable design in a sea of banal bland beige boxes all over the near North side.
Cows in Italy
I never expected to see the day when the cradle of the Italian Renaissance would be borrowing a page from Chicago. But, Cows on Parade, meet the Florence CowParade.
Better Water Tanks
Challenged by the Chicago Architecture Club to put disused water tanks (those ugly things you see on towers - particularly in industrial areas) to good use, designers came up with all sorts of good ideas. The winning proposal (pdf) suggested a means of turning them into wind turbines for clean power generation. Via: We Make Money Not Art and the Chicago Sun-Times.
The Divestiture of Jeanne & the Juggler
Yesterday, the Times ran an op-ed that condemned museums like the LACMA for selling off pieces from their permanent collections as if they were "investments." We noted last week that the Art Institute had similar, though far less extensive plans; the Sun-Times later received assurances that proceeds would only support the curatorial collections from whence the work came. Last night, for better or worse, the paintings saw a highly receptive market: the Renoir went near the top end of its estimated selling price, while the Chagall significantly exceeded expectations, bringing in over $4 million.
Outdoor Art Or Walks Or Stories Or?
Two artistic resources that are very exciting: in the weather, the creation of Melinda Fries and Bonnie Fortune, where individuals have uploaded memorable and unique walks, some you can follow, some you can't. All are delightful, personal portraits of the city. [Note: an earlier version of this post erroneously credited the Center for Neighborhood Technology.] If you want even more, check out the This Dream: This Frequency piece from Links Hall. A soldier's tale is broadcast from microtransmitters throughout Pilsen, always telling his story for anyone who might listen...
The West Town Gallery Network, Matey.
The West Town Gallery Network is a group of six art galleries looking to make WestTown a destination for compelling visual art, alongside the other established gallery communities in the city. To promote their cause, they have created a beautifully designed (and pirate-map inspired) brochure (PDF) and map (PDF), designed and lettered by local artist Eric Lebofsky. If you would like a Lebofsky drawing of your own, you can win one by participating in the upcoming WestTown Gallery Hop on November 19th. Peep Slowdown for the skinny on the hop.
VGS vs. House of Liu vs. Revise
Jim over at Veggiesomething just dropped some hot new t-shirts. First up is his new "sub-label" and character line, House of Liu. The "Destroy" t-shirt is both macho yet cute at the same time. I got one, best get yours. In addition, Veggiesomething teamed up with Revise (we got it covered) for a t-shirt as well. Hotness all round. Get 'em here.
Cash in the Museum
Ever dreamt of taking home one of the paintings you've seen at the Art Institute? Drop the dough next week, and it could happen. Today's Times reports on the plans of various national museums to auction off work they no longer see as important to their collections. Critics say moves like this are short-sighted, but trustees say they need to free up funds for other acquisitions. Sotheby's will handle the sale of the two AIC pieces: Chagall's "Le Jongleur," estimated at $2.5-3.5m, and Renoir's "Portrait de Jeanne Sisley," a steal at half a mil. (Reg. req'd for site, though several logins appear at bugmenot.)
A-Spire-ing Architects, Take Note
Showing that "tweezer-shaped" isn't necessarily the best descriptor for a proposed 2,000-foot tower in downtown Chicago, there's a new architectural "conversation piece" on the block. This broadcast tower is the brain-child of architect Cesar Pelli, and would match the proposed Calatrava-designed skyscraper in height if built as planned, and would cost a cool $300 million. It's not technically a "building" though, as it wouldn't hold office or living space, but would be used by television stations broadcasting high definition signals and would not be breaking any "World's Tallest" records.
Full Metal jacket
No war here, just one-of-a-kind custom jackets made by some of the hottest designers and artists out there in the Chicago scene (featuring personal fave Cody Hudson). Clothing manufacturer Spiewak is hosting this event to raise awareness and money for the Chicago Women's Health Center. Aside from checking out jackets, music will be provided courtesy of Prefuse 73 so you know this'll be hot. What more could you want in such chilly climes? This Wednesday, 8pm onwards at The Syndicate, a new gallery space in Wicker Park. Be sure to RSVP for the full skinny.
You Have Been Selected
Lumpen's annual Select Media Festival gets under way this Friday with an opening reception at Iron Studios for The New Chicagoans, a group show of local avant-garde artists, including many GB favorites. On Saturday, the festival has organized a Bridgeport Art Walk as part of its focus on the South Side neighborhood. Then next week, watch for the Tactical Ice Cream Unit patrolling the city's streets. Check Slowdown for details and the festival's website for even more.
Comic show draws to a close
The Cartoonist's Eye, a large exhibit of comic art from past and present, finishes its run at Columbia College's A+D Gallery this weekend. If you've missed it so far, now's your chance! (And if you aren't going to make it there, check out this Flickr set of the exhibit's opening night.) See Slowdown for info on a talk this evening at the gallery by curator Ivan Brunetti.
Luckypix, blog,
Tracking the Midwest creative pulse with a focus on Chicago (they're based here), Luckypix, the stock photography site just started a new blog. We're looking to see how it shapes up over time, but they're off to a good start.
Urban Art, Legal and Otherwise
Every now and again, you come across a site and wonder, "how did I not know about that before today?" That's pretty much my reaction to hotheadz.org, an encyclopedic documentation of Chicago street art. But, better late than never, right? (More local graf links in our archives.)
Paris At The Art Institute
Paris: Photographs from a Time That Was is something I must have overlooked when it was in the papers, but I can't wait to go and check it out. Henri Cartier-Bresson is in rotation, and plenty of other heavyweights from what I'd consider a magical age of photography.
Fresh Architecture on Michigan Ave
The Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies has broken ground for its new facility just north of their current digs on South Michigan Avenue, the first new building on the drag overlooking Grant Park in almost 40 years. The new building's distinctive folded glass facade, designed by local architecture firm Krueck + Sexton, will bring a much needed breath of elegant and contemporary design to that stretch of the rapidly growing South Loop. Be sure to check out more of the renderings of the provocative design, learn more about the plans for the new building, and read what architectural critic Blair Kamin had to say about the building and its role in the revival of this architecturally high profile stretch of Chicago. [via Archidose]
Chicago Art Foundation Museum
The Chicago Art Foundation has a vision (pdf): they want to expose the world to Chicago's visual artists by opening the first museum devoted solely to Chicago art. They've created a business plan that has them raising funds, building an identity, collecting art, forming archives, and they are on a track to open this museum 24 months after they finalize the acquisition of their space. Keep an eye on the CAF website for updates as they build the next great Chicago art museum.
SkinnyCorp Spray Cam
We'll shut up about SkinnyCorp for awhile after this, but first we've got to tell you about the live webcams they've set up to show progress on three walls of graffiti-inspired art going up in their Ravenswood headquarters. Here's a bit of background.
The Cartoonist's Eye
This exhibit at Columbia College features the work of artists using the comics medium--most notably Chris Ware, Art Spiegelman and Robert Crumb. This exhibition is a small preview of curator Ivan Brunetti's upcoming Anthology of Graphic Fiction (Yale University Press) and features the original artwork created for some of the comic strips and graphic novels presented in the book. Check it out at A+D Gallery, 619 S. Wabash, through October 22.
Kiki & Herb At the MCA
Tired of the same drag shows at The Baton or The Kit-Kat Club? This weekend brings acclaimed drag performers Kiki & Herb to the MCA for two shows on Friday. I've seen some previews of this and it's utterly delightful. Not to be missed if you're a fan of cabaret.
Art Renaissance
Speaking of art, UofC's Renaissance Society throws its annual gala and benefit auction next Saturday, Oct. 8. This year's auction features photography from a wide range of artists, including friend of GB Brian Ulrich. The society also offers some amazing gallery editions, some at prices even students could afford.
Too Much Art Makes the Art-Lover Go...Blind?
Lots and lots of art things happening this weekend. Friday kicks it off with Pilsen Open Studios, where over a hundred Pilsen artists will open their studios to the public. That continues through Saturday and Sunday when there will also be the Glenwood Avenue Arts Fest -- a Rogers Park festival filled with art, theater, music, food and drink -- and the Intuit Folk and Outsider Art Show -- a fundrasier for the non-profit Intuit. And if you're still looking to fill your art-calendar, you can always get to know your local artists.
Selected Ambient Hand-Jive
Local audio artist and electronic composer, Michael Una, has spent the past few years developing the "Sound-Suit", a wearable synthesizer that is controlled with the movement of the body. His website has video of a Sound Suit performance that demonstates the intriguing and engaging soundscapes he can create by literally manipulating music with his hands. If you'd like to hear more about how he created this spatial synth or his plans for public performance, tune in to Eight Forty-Eight on WBEZ this Thursday morning in the 10am hour.
October is Art Month
The 10th Chicago Artists’ Month starts this weekend, so now’s the time to check the schedule and plan to see a lot of Chicago-grown art in interesting spaces this October—and maybe make some of your own. This weekend’s highlights are in Slowdown.
Missing the Terra?
Those of us who’ve been mourning the loss of the Terra Museum of American Art since it closed last October can continue to get our fix of Edward Hopper, Charles Demuth, and their contemporaries and forebears by checking out the expanded American Art galleries at the Art Institute of Chicago. Portions of the Terra collection have been on loan to the Art Institute since April and are being displayed along with the Art Institute’s own hefty holdings.
A New(s) Stand
The Chicago chapter of Architecture for Humanity is not so impressed with the design of the typical newsstand. Accordingly, they've organized a competition that calls for the reimagining of this important component of the urban landscape. Interested parties need to register by October 1, although submissions aren't due until November. Further details on the contest and the issues it hopes to engage are available online and by email at afhchicago(at)gmail.com.
Other Buildings Worth Saving
UIC's Flame points out that the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois has recently released its annual Chicagoland Watch List, this year including buildings ranging from the Israel-Samuel A.M.E. Zion Church to the Main Post Office. Begun in 2002, the list (archives here) advocates for the protection of historic properties in the metro area. How can you help? Click on any of the listed sites to learn details about relevant officials to contact, be they aldermen or city commissions.
Street Art, Chicago-Style.
In a city that's completely banned spray paint, Chicago street-artists have had to take creative and untraditional routes to get their work on the streets. Chicago Street Art, the latest group pool on Flickr, is starting to document all of the hand drawn-stickers, stencils, plywood cutouts, scrawlings, paste-ups, and installations that bring color to the all-too-often drab urban landscape.
True Patriots
Chicago artist Al Brandtner's Patriot Act is back in the news. The piece, which caused some controversy during its display at Columbia College last spring as part of the "Axis of Evil" exhibit, has been pulled by the chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, where "Axis of Evil" opened last night. The decision prompted student protests with demonstrators wearing the image on t-shirts, thus demonstrating once again that censoring something is a great way to draw even more attention to it.
Your house has a history
At last night's panel discussion at the Newberry Library, Jennifer Masengarb of the Chicago Architecture Foundation gave the audience a link to the city publication titled "Your House Has A History" (PDF link), which spells out in great detail how to research the history of a Chicago home. If you're fortunate enough to own your own place, this document should get you started on researching the history of the building.
Redmoon's newest Spectacle
Tonight is the opening of Redmoon Theater's Autumn Spectacle: Loves Me, Loves Me Not. The performance, about a mythical town after it has been hit by a flood, was completely overhauled two days after Katrina hit New Orleans. Ten percent of ticket sales go to the Red Cross. More information in Slowdown.
Beyond solar panels
Zoka Zola, an innovative Chicago architect originally from Croatia, has designed a zero-energy home. The "Glass & Bedolla House," a self-sustaining, single-family urban home, is scheduled for construction three miles west of the Loop.
Art for Everyone
This is going to be a good weekend for art lovers in Chicago. We've got not one, but two notable events happening. The Around the Coyote Fall Arts Festival takes place in Wicker Park, featuring painting, photography, and even some poetry reading from fellow GB staffer Anne (hear one of her poems here [RAM]). Saturday's Rockwell Crossing Artwalk promises to be a more low key event, where you'll find jewelry, handmade body products and all other kinds of art, including some from GB button-designer, Anthony Lewellen. Slowdown's got you here and here.
Flippin' Through the Sketchbook
Speaking of cartoonists, you ought to check out local artist Laura Park's scanned sketchbook pages on Flickr. Park's illustrations have appeared in The Reader and elsewhere, but her daily sketches make even mundane objects come to life. (And she has a pet pigeon! How cool is that?)
Seth, Chris and Ivan
I can't seem to find a link to this anywhere, but after attending the fabulous opening of The Cartoonist's Eye, I thought you'd like to know that Seth, Chris Ware and Ivan Brunetti, the exhibition's curator, will participate in a panel discussion today (Friday). From 1:30pm to 2:30pm, you can watch them as they discuss their profession, its history and their participation in it. 1104 S. Wabash. (I'd be there too, if it weren't for the ol' 9-to-5.) Update: Here's your link.
The Brunetti Era
It's a good time to be Ivan Brunetti. An anthology of his work comes out this week, he was featured in last week's Reader (PDF), and here's an interview in Comic Book Galaxy. And to top it off, an exhibition he curated opens tonight at Columbia College — details in Slowdown.
Deadline for Docents
If you're not a full-time student, and you've got a thing for buildings, then maybe you'd like to get a job as a Chicago Architecture Foundation docent. Deadline for application is October 7, and you have to fulfill a few requirements first. But hey, you can always spend the next month working on some new jokes about bridges, boats, and the Dave Matthews Band.
Gleaming the Kennedy?
This week's "Detour" article presents three blue-sky ideas for reuse of the wasted space beneath an expressway overpass in the city. Although the article was written as a piece of fiction, the concepts might not be that far out: apparently the residents of Logan Square are looking to build a Chicago Park District Skatepark beneath the Kennedy Expressway. This skate park "with a roof" would be just one project in the interesting (and massive) Logan Square Open Space Plan that looks to create over 15 acres of useable open space in the super-densely populated neighborhood.
Chicago public spaces, good and bad
The Project for Public Spaces, a nonprofit dedicated to creating and sustaining public places that build communities, recently named Chicago's Devon Avenue one of the best public spaces in the world. They note that Devon "has managed to retain its identity and strong social fabric rather than giving way to the pressures of gentrification." But before you get too proud about the city, know that Chicago is also represented on the nonprofit's list of the most overrated public places in the world by, of course, Millennium Park ("There is spectacle to behold, but not the variety of experience necessary for a truly great public space").
Fight Flyers with Fire
Artist Jonathan Gitelson moved across the street from the Funky Buddha Lounge last year, and soon found his car plastered with as many as 10 flyers a night for nightclubs and strip bars. He made lemonade with them lemons, in the form of a car cover stitched with hundreds of flyers. He parks his car in front of offending clubs, thows the car cover on and takes pictures. More in the Our Town column in this week's Reader (PDF).
Bernard Williams/Louis Sullivan Mashup
Chicago-based artist Bernard Williams will show a series of sculptures and drawings that manipulate the decorative patterns found in the Chicago area landmarks by the architect Louis Sullivan. If you're free this Sunday, August 28, between 3-5 pm, head over to The Hyde Park Art Center (5307 S. Hyde Park Blvd, Chicago). If you miss it, no fear; the exhibition runs through October 8th. Admission is free.
Back In Black
This Saturday is the grand re-opening of the Ludwig Mies van der Rohe-designed Crown Hall on the campus of IIT. Restoration of the modernist masterpiece has been completed, and the campus is celebrating with an open house, as well as campus tours, readings, and live music from the M's. ArchitectureChicago Plus has the schedule of events here as well as exhaustive amounts of information about van der Rohe's design of the IIT's campus. And while you're down there, be sure to check out Rem Koolhaas's student center and Helmut Jahn's dormitory-- both fine examples of provocative modern architecture South of the Loop!
Another Reason to Skip Those Red Papers
Sick of getting your dose of American dailiness The RedEye? Check out the current exhibit at Eastern Illinois University's Tarble Art Center: Sinister. “[Sinister] offers a look into a group of artists that are questioning the very nature of our daily lives,” says curator and EIU art department faculty Chris Kahler. Many of my favorite exhibiting artists are based in or connected to Chicago. Dana De Ano, Saya Woolfalk and Alex Jovanovich are SAIC graduates.
Bean looking forward to this
Have you missed the memorable sculpture in Millennium Park known as "Cloud Gate"? Well, Sunday is your lucky day; the city is finally taking the tent off the Bean this weekend, after spending the past few months sanding off the seams from the surface. You should be able to see the Chicago skyline in one smooth reflection, which you will of course have to take a picture of and post to Flickr.
ReThink ReCycle ReDesign... FoReal!
Ever noticed the severe lack of public recycling receptacles in Chicago's neighborhoods? So did the Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), so they decided to hold a competition to design some solutions. After receiving over 400 conceptual designs from all around the world for "ReThink ReCycle ReDesign", the top 25 have been prototyped and will be exhibited this Friday on Daley Plaza. Come down around noon to see all of the concepts in the flesh, vote for your favorite, hear some remarks from "Da Mare", and promote public awareness of Chicago as an ecologically sustainable city. (Disclosure: I'm one of the finalists exhibiting... come say hi!)
Exhibit of the International Day of Peace Print Design Collaboration
It's easy to talk about wanting peace on Earth when you rarely interact with people from outside your neighborhood. The Peace Museum in Garfield Park sponsored a comfort-zone stretching design competition. Artists were instructed to collaborate on a piece with stranger artists. Stranger meaning 'unfamiliar with,' not 'odder than.' The idea was to cross the lines that divide – race, sex, religion, geography, ethnicity – to to explore peace. In theme, in practice, and in productivity. The resulting pieces will be exhibited at the museum from August 16th through the 30th. Visitors will select the top twenty, which will then go on display on the museum's website. One winning piece will be chosen by the organization to represent the International Day of Peace, September 21. Let's see who could put their paintbrush where their mouth is.
Skyscrapers are so last century.
Sure, the Fordham Spire is pretty exciting, but my eyes are focused on new construction near Cabrini-Green; the Helmut Jahn designed Near North Apartments, a single room occupancy facility for Chicago's homeless. Jahn is best known for his provocative commerical work, however this project marks his first for a public housing project, in which he plans to use ecologically intelligent elements to create economically viable savings. You can check out some conceptual renderings of the new building here (as well as other "green" Chicago architectural proposals), or just watch a landmark constructed in real time at Division and Clybourn.
Inspiration During Crisis
The Wall Street Journal ran a nice review of the Art Institute's current show, 1945: Creativity and Crisis, Chicago Architecture and Design of the World War II Era. The exhibit includes designs by Chicago-associated architects Bertrand Goldberg and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
Wear your best kicks
I'm an ex-shoe hoarder. I used to buy shoes regularly. These days, very little impresses me since the revival of the classics and the many athleisure shoes everyone is spinning these days. However, that doesn't mean I don't stock up on all the many
Outsider art on the small screen
Maureen Ryan of the Trib highlights tonight's broadcast of a documentary on Chicago artist Henry Darger. Originally released to theaters last year, In the Realms of the Unreal will be shown as part of the PBS series P.O.V. at 10pm on WTTW, Channel 11.
Pow!
The weblog of Fantagraphics Books alerts us to an amazing-sounding upcoming exhibit: Chicago artist Ivan Brunetti is putting together a show for Columbia College's A+D Gallery to promote his upcoming book Anthology of Graphic Fiction, and it sounds like the show is going to include work from practically EVERYBODY in the comics industry, from Charles Schulz to Adrian Tomine. The show is set to open in early September (opening reception on September 8), so be sure to mark your calendars now so you don't forget.
You Am I
Purveyors of the finest in positive street art, You Are Beautiful is showcasing it's "You Am I" book exhibition at Open End Gallery this Saturday from 6-11pm. The exhibition displays the 111 books that went out into the world to be creatively stamped by many and returned. A $5 dollar donation is suggested, which will go towards funding similar projects.
Birthday candle, drill bit...
While folks struggle to find just the right metaphor for the proposed Fordham Spire, national coverage of it continues today. The Washington Post offers this account, while the Times puts the desire for tall buildings in historical and global perspective. That article engages the very question with which the Tribune's editorial grapples; your opinion is welcome in Fuel.
Skyline reaching new heights
As of early this morning, a Google search for "Fordham Spire" returns no results. Expect that to change quite soon. The New York Times reports that Christopher T. Carley's Fordham Co. will announce today that, despite concerns of potential terrorism, it plans to build what will replace the Sears Tower as the tallest building in the country. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, a skeptical Donald Trump calls the proposed structure at N. Water St. and Lake Shore Drive nothing but "a total charade."
Flavin and beyond
Detroit's Metro News offers a handy guide to some of this summer's better art shows in the Midwest. The list can give you ideas for weekends out of town, or it might simply inspire you to head downtown to the MCA for the Dan Flavin retrospective. The Trib's review could hardly be more glowing (pardon the pun), and if you'd like a multi-media preview, there's this feature from the Washington Post about the exhibition's original installation in the National Gallery.
Water Tank Make-over
This year's Chicago Prize competition from Chicago Architecture Club seeks new uses for the dis-used water tanks atop buildings around the city. First prize is $3500. Got an idea? You have until July 25 to ask questions, and till October 11 to complete your entry. (Thanks, Emily)
Small and Round and new
Small and Round, Chicago artist Jeremiah Ketner's work and world of fancy has been updated with a year's worth of work. Which means that there's now stuff for sale. Go, buy and hang a piece of excellent art on your wall.
iPod Tour of Millennium Park
Millennium Park now offers a self-guided audio tour, downloadable to your very own mp3 player. And it's free! If you don't have an iPod or whatnot, you can rent one for $5 from the Chicago Shop at Millennium Park, on the second floor of the Exelon Pavilion at 201 E. Randolph Street. (Alas, the rentable player only comes with the tour — no music.)
Beanie Baby
I'm not sure where Bent got their inspiration but I'm sure some Chicago socialites would love to have this pram to tote their baby around the Bean. [Hat tip: The Box Factory]
Mandala on display for final day today
A group of Tibetan monks have been creating a sand mandala at the Chicago Cultural Center for the last six days. Today will be the final day of construction of the mandala, as the monks are expected to finish work sometime today and then dismantle the mandala tonight at 5:30 (i.e., they sweep up the sand). If you're going to be downtown for the Taste, why not stop in and be amazed by the intricate and complex design of this piece of artwork that will never be seen again? (The Cultural Center is at 78 E. Washington, right on the corner of Michigan and Washington.)
In the Hause
From 1-5 PM this Sunday, Foundation Gallery will be holding a closing reception for its current exhibition, Die Kase Hause. Die Kase Hause is an artist collective comrpised of Jeremiah Ketner, David Phillips, Gregory Shirilla, Jeffrey Williams and Aaron Zimmerman. According to a recent release, "It is not philosophy or style that unites [them], but rather a true compulsion to make art. What was once a group of students working closely together in Columbus, Ohio now has become a loose collection of members dispersed nationwide." You can see their work on the gallery's website if you like, but the reception is open to all.
Drawn Out
Our friend Terence Hannum informs us of an interesting art showing entitled Drawn Out at Gallery 400. The opening reception is this Thursday from 5-8pm. It sounds tasty: "Drawn Out explores expanded practices of drawing (for example, drawing as sculpture or drawing as video) with works that are both literally sculptural or time-based and works that remain two dimensional but are no less influenced by the new scope of possibilities in drawing."
From Louis Sullivan to SOM
From Louis Sullivan to SOM: Boston Grads Go to Chicago is an online exhibition from MIT that explores the connections between architects schooled in Boston and Chicago's architectural heritage in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The exhibit includes sections on skyscrapers, domestic architecture and the World's Columbian Exposition. And, Louis Sullivan, William LeBaron Jenney and Thomas E. Tallmadge are just some of the architects highlighted.
Chilling Effect
We told you in April about the Secret Service's visit to the Axis of Evil exhibition at Columbia College's Glass Curtain Gallery. The exhibit included among other pieces a stamp by Chicago artist Michael Hernandez de Luna Al Brandtner depicting President Bush with a gun pointed at his head, with the caption "Patriot Act." In response to the Columbia incident, Jeremy Lassen created a series of photo collages which he titled "Bush and Guns" and posted them to his Flickr account. Last week, Lassen got a Secret Service visit of his own. Correction: While
Hernandez de Luna curated the exhibit at Columbia, the piece I mentioned featuring Bush with gun was by Al Brandtner. Apologies for the error.
After Andy
Want a hand-painted, three-foot copy of Andy Warhol's Mao? Too late. Arts-Studio.com, a Chicago-based art reproduction company, was served with a lawsuit after the Warhol Foundation discovered they were reproducing the artist's works without a license. Arts-Studio.com has taken down the index and the Warhol page of their site, but via the Google cache you can see the many other artists they reproduce -- such as the whole range of Impressionists and Warhol's friend Basquiat.
Picture a New Angle
Speaking of American Gothic, "Hello Beautiful!" host Edward Lifson writes to tell us there will soon be "a new way, previously unknown, for you to get closer to this iconic work of art." Find out what it is this Sunday at 10am on Chicago Public Radio. Or wait for the audio to be posted on the show's site next Tuesday.
If I had a pitchfork
The Museum at the Art Institute has some pretty iconic work in its collection. Obviously. Few are more iconic, though, than Grant Wood's application of oil on beaverboard, the 75 year history of which professor Steven Biel has captured in his just-published American Gothic: A Life of America's Most Famous Painting. Get a preview of Biel's book on that symbol of simpler times in the latest Harvard Magazine or today's Slate.
Art Walk
Tonight is the night for art. In addition to the usual First Friday festivities, the School of the Art Institute's Continuing Studies certificate program is doing a sort of progressive dinner party, but with art instead of food. Start at Gallery X, 280 S. Columbus Dr. at 5pm, then move on to two other SAIC locations to check out works in a variety of media. Free.
Filmstipping
Coudal Partners just announced their third "Crash Ballet" film remixing contest. This time around, the trick is re-captioning a 1950s filmstrip. Get yours in by Wednesday for a chance to win a 100 pack o' Jewelboxes.
Bungaloids in print
The Historic Chicago Bungalow Association got some press in the Washington Post this week, with various Chicagoans talking about how and why they ended up in the Bungalow Belt. If you own one of these classic houses, you might be interested in the Bungalow Association's free seminars on researching the history of your home: there is a meeting tonight and one on Tuesday, the 7th. Or, if you just like old pictures, WTTW has a slide show here.
Architecture Tuesday
Two architecturally/historically significant things are happening today. The first is the groundbreaking ceremony for the Art Institute's new North Wing, designed by Renzo Piano, starting at 8:30am. The second is the awarding of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, held in Millennium Park this evening. I don't mean to be a big geek, but I think I'm going to go. Your handy dandy Slowdown has all the details.
Art Classes at Lill Street
The folks at the Lill Street Art Center in Ravenswood are now accepting registrations for summer classes. Check out the full line-up of summer offerings on their website. They have a wide variety of courses for beginners and advanced artists in ceramics, jewelry-making, drawing, painting and textiles. And, the schedules frequently include weekend and evening classes. Look for me in one of the drawing classes this summer!
Cloud Gate Unveiled... Partially
Looking for an excuse to start the Memorial Day weekend a little early on Friday? Head down to Millennium Park, where the newly polished Cloud Gate, aka The Bean, will be partially unveiled. The end of its cocoon-like tent will be removed so we can finally see and "interact" with about 13 feet of its fresh mirror finish. A plastic screen on the remaining tent will allow a view of ongoing work.
Up Their Sleeve
Here's an exhibition that's close to my heart: the folks at Dublab have put together a show based on the work of over 500 artists who've created album covers for records that, well, don't really exist. Entitled Up Our Sleeve, this unique show has already been to the coasts, Europe, and the Far East, and will end here at Chicago's very own Open End Gallery. Be sure to check it out soon, though — it's only around from Friday 'til Sunday. (Thanks to Cody for the tip.)
Paper Sons in Chinatown
After a year of building renovations, The Chinese-American Museum of Chicago officially opens tomorrow with an exhibit called "Paper Sons" that focuses on the Chinese immigrant's experience in the Midwest of the 19th and early 20th century. See Slowdown for details.
Tadao Ando...on Wrightwood?
Ever walked down Wrightwood (near Clark) and, like me, wondered who designed that incredible concrete home on the south side of the street? Well, maybe I'm behind the times, but it's a genuine Tadao Ando. One look at photos from in and around the residence and you'll agree, it's a complete masterpiece. Also, check this site for more images of the architect's work.
Poster makers making posters
This Friday, Foundation Gallery opens their latest show revolving around stellar (and my favorite) poster makers Aesthetic Apparatus, who have strong roots in the Midwest. Of course there's The Bird Machine here in Chicago, too. But ther